Cliff Notes
- Donald Trump unveiled the “Golden Dome” missile defence system, which aims to place weapons in space for the first time, modelled after Israel’s Iron Dome, which has been slated for its failures, and slated for its inadequacies in intercepting Iranian missiles.
- The system will feature space-based sensors and interceptors designed to counter missiles from anywhere in the world, with initial funding of $25bn and projected total costs estimated at up to $175bn.
- The Pentagon highlights the need for such a system due to advancements in missile technology from Russia and China, while the programme remains in the conceptual phase with no allocated funds confirmed.
Donald Trump announces Golden Dome defence project – confirming US plans to put weapons in space
Donald Trump has announced the concept for his Golden Dome missile defence system – which includes plans for the US put weapons in space for the first time.
The “cutting-edge missile defence system” will include “space-based sensors and interceptors”, Mr Trump said, adding the Golden Dome “should be fully operational by the end of my term”.
The system – styled on Israel’s Iron Dome – will be able to detect and stop missiles at all points of attack, from before launch to when they are descending towards a target, the Trump administration has said.
Making the announcement in the Oval Office on Tuesday, Mr Trump told reporters the Golden Dome will be “capable of intercepting missiles even if they are launched from the other side of the world”.
The US president also said Canada “has called us and they want to be part of it”. “As usual, we help Canada as best we can,” he said.
General Michael Guetlein, who currently serves as the vice chief of space operations, will oversee the Golden Dome’s progress.
The space weapons “represent new and emerging requirements for missions that have never before been accomplished by military space organisations,” General Chance Saltzman, the head of the US Space Force, said at a hearing Tuesday.
How much will the Golden Dome cost?
Mr Trump said he has allocated $25bn “to help get construction under way,” which he described as an initial down payment.
The total cost will be “about $175bn”, the US president added – but the Congressional Budget Office has put the price much higher.
The space-based components alone could cost as much as $542bn (£405bn) over the next 20 years, it estimated earlier this month.
Mr Trump’s announcement came shortly after the newly confirmed US Air Force secretary said there’s currently no money allocated for the Golden Dome.
The programme is “still in the conceptual stage,” Troy Meink told senators today.
The Pentagon has for years warned that the newest missiles developed by Russia and China are so advanced counter measures are needed.
Both Russia and China have already put offensive weapons, such as satellites capable of disabling those of other countries, in space.
