On Tuesday, May 20th, President Donald Trump announced the “Golden Dome,” a $175 billion space-based missile defense system designed to intercept hypersonic and ballistic threats. The system will use satellite-enabled interceptors and space-based sensors, with a targeted completion date in three years.
“This is very important for the survival of our country,” Trump said at a White House briefing. He appointed General Michael Guetlein, Vice Chief of Space Operations, to lead the project. The U.S. Missile Defense Agency will coordinate its development.
Trump described the Golden Dome as an expansion of Ronald Reagan’s Strategic Defense Initiative and said it draws from current U.S. defense technologies. Unlike Israel’s Iron Dome, which protects small areas from short-range attacks, the U.S. system aims to defend the entire country from long-range and space-based weapons, including fractional orbital bombardment systems.
The Defense Intelligence Agency has warned of China and Russia’s advancements in missile and space weaponry. In response to the U.S. plan, China accused the U.S. of “fueling an arms race” and “weaponizing space.” Russia expressed concern about global stability but acknowledged the U.S. decision. Canada confirmed talks with U.S. defense officials about potential participation under NORAD modernization.
Trump said $25 billion is included in his proposed budget now before Congress. However, analysts and lawmakers warn that technical and financial challenges may delay the project. Experts say full implementation could take a decade.
Despite criticism, the administration is moving forward. Pentagon planners are outlining development phases for what Trump called a critical step in U.S. defense strategy.
