Earlier this week, U.S. President Donald Trump unveiled a proposal for an “American-Made Golden Dome” defense initiative aimed at safeguarding the nation against potential missile threats from abroad.
Trump claims this will be the first project to put US
weapons in space
It would become functional by the conclusion of his term in 2029.
Pete Hegseth, the US Secretary of Defense, informed reporters that the Golden Dome represents a “long-term commitment to enhancing America’s security.”
Here’s what we currently understand regarding the Golden Dome initiative, encompassing the participants involved as well as potential weaponry.
What might the Golden Dome accomplish?
After completion, Trump asserts that the Golden Dome will have the capability to intercept projectiles.
hypersonic
, as well as advanced cruise missiles, drones, even if they originate from the far end of the globe or from outer space.
The dome, which Trump referred to as the “best system in the world,” is said to achieve a success rate of nearly 100 percent, according to his claims.
A confidential informant informed the Associated Press about the Golden Dome project, which is set to include both terrestrial and orbital components designed to identify and neutralize missiles throughout all four critical phases of an assault: initial detection, early-stage interdiction during ascent, disruption en route, or prevention upon descent towards their intended targets.
The US government has also been developing three options, including space-based interceptors, the source said.
Several initial systems are anticipated to come from current manufacturing lines. During a press conference earlier this week, senators identified L3Harris Technologies, Lockheed Martin, and RTX (formerly known as Raytheon) as possible suppliers.
In April, L3Harris revealed that it had extended operations at a facility in Indiana to focus on “in-space technologies” for the Golden Dome project.
Lockheed Martin stated on its website that they aim to provide the initial Golden Dome defenses by the conclusion of 2026.
The list includes several current weapons that might be included in this initiative, such as the Command Control Battle Management Communications system (C2BMC). According to the firm, this technology enables commanders to coordinate their choices regarding missile strikes at every stage of the engagement.
Initially, Trump allocated $25 billion (€22.16 billion) for the Golden Dome project within his proposed tax cut legislation. The U.S. House of Representatives passed this bill on Thursday, estimating the entire project would amount to approximately $175 billion over three years (€155 billion).
On the contrary, a report from the US Congressional Budget Office estimated that the price tag for just the space-based interceptors which could be utilized in this system would range between $161 billion (€142.7 billion), representing the lower-cost option, and $542 billion (€480.33 billion) as the higher-end estimate.
Where else boasts a multifaceted defensive mechanism?
Trump said that the Golden Dome would develop new technologies but would also integrate some that it already has, which could include joint weapons developed with the Israelis for their
layered defense system
.
Famously referred to as the “Iron Dome,” this Israeli defense mechanism can identify approaching threats and will deploy interceptors solely when the missile is destined for a populated area or critical military or civilian facilities.
Israel employs a mix of the Arrow, David’s Sling, and the Iron Dome systems to shield itself against long, medium, and short-range missile threats.
The Arrow weapon system constitutes a series of defensive missiles designed for “monitoring, identifying, tracking, and neutralizing” hostile projectiles at long distances before they reach their targets. This autonomous system operates under the management of Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), which collaborated with American firm Boeing during its development phase.
David’s Sling, the medium-range defense system developed by Israel’s Rafael Advanced Defense Systems and the US’ RTX, offers “hit-to-kill” defense against ballistic missiles, enemy planes, and drones. The Iron Dome then works exclusively to deter the short-range threats.
Israeli authorities acknowledge that the system isn’t completely foolproof; however, they firmly believe it has been instrumental in defending the nation against multiple attacks involving rockets and missiles originating from Iran and militant groups since the outbreak of hostilities with Hamas on October 7, 2023.
In 2022, Europe took steps towards developing its own version as 21 European countries initiated the European
“Sky Shield”
The initiative where they committed to collaborate on the procurement, maintenance of defense systems, as well as supporting one another.
Any weaponry obtained for the Sky Shield will subsequently become part of an ongoing NATO operation aimed at safeguarding Alliance territories from all forms of aerial or missile threats or attacks, as stated by the organization.
Several nations, such as Germany, have entered into agreements with the Israelis or the Americans regarding the Arrow missile system as part of Sky Shield.
