U.S. President Donald Trump has announced the selection of a design for the “Golden Dome,” a next-generation missile defense system intended to counter advanced aerial threats, including ballistic, cruise, and hypersonic missiles, as well as space-based weapons. Trump stated the system would be operational before the end of his term and would rely on technologies spanning land, sea, and space, including space-based sensors and interceptors.
The project has been allocated an initial $25 billion in a proposed budget, though long-term costs are projected to rise significantly. The Congressional Budget Office estimates up to $542 billion may be spent over two decades on the space-based components alone. Trump has proposed that funding will come from his yet-to-pass “One Big Beautiful Bill” on tax.
Space Force General Michael Guetlein, vice chief of space operations, has been appointed to lead the initiative. Trump said the system would offer near-total effectiveness in intercepting threats, even those launched from space or across the globe. Israel’s Iron Dome inspires the Golden Dome but will be significantly more expansive, aiming to neutralize a wider array of threats. Canada has expressed interest in joining the project, citing national security and Arctic defense as key reasons. Then, Defense Minister Bill Blair indicated that cooperation would be in Canada’s best interests.
The centralized command structure of the system is designed to allow interception at various stages, including pre-launch. The Defense Intelligence Agency and Pentagon have raised alarms that current U.S. systems are insufficient against rapidly evolving missile technologies from adversaries like China and Russia. Trump emphasized that current U.S. missile defense infrastructure is outdated and inadequate, underscoring the urgency of the Golden Dome project. Officials call this system essential for defending against what they describe as the most catastrophic threats to U.S. national security.
