President Donald Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth have announced the “Golden Dome,” a $175 billion missile defense initiative aimed at protecting the United States from advanced missile threats, including those launched from space. The project, inspired by Israel’s Iron Dome, seeks to establish a comprehensive shield against ballistic, hypersonic, and cruise missiles.
The Golden Dome will integrate space-based sensors, interceptors, and advanced radar systems to detect and neutralize incoming threats. General Michael Guetlein of the U.S. Space Force has been appointed to lead the project, which is slated for completion within three years. An initial $25 billion in funding has been secured through the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” with the total cost projected to reach up to $500 billion over two decades.
Defense Secretary Hegseth emphasized the strategic importance of the initiative, stating that the Golden Dome represents a significant leap in national defense capabilities. The system aims to provide a near-impenetrable shield over the U.S., countering emerging threats from adversaries like China and Russia.
The project has garnered support from key lawmakers, including Senators Dan Sullivan, Kevin Cramer, and Jim Banks. It also involves collaboration with private defense contractors such as SpaceX, Palantir, and Anduril, reflecting a public-private partnership in advancing national security.
While the initiative has faced criticism over its high cost and potential to escalate an arms race, proponents argue that the investment is necessary to maintain U.S. military superiority. President Trump has asserted that the Golden Dome fulfills a vision dating back to the Reagan administration’s Strategic Defense Initiative. “This is a game-changer for our national defense, ensuring that America remains safe and secure from any missile threat,” the Trump said.
