US President Donald Trump introduced a major defence project called the “Golden Dome”. He said the system is meant to protect the United States from different kinds of missile attacks, even those launched from the other side of the world or from space.

Speaking at the White House, Trump said, "In the campaign I promised the American people I would build a cutting-edge missile defence shield. Today I am pleased to announce we have officially selected architecture for this state-of-the-art system."

The plan has received an initial funding of $25 billion and could eventually cost around $175 billion. Trump said it should be ready in about three years. US Space Force General Michael Guetlein will lead this mission, and Canada has also shown interest in being part of the project.

The Golden Dome system is inspired by Israel’s Iron Dome, which has been used since 2011 to stop thousands of short-range rockets. However, the Golden Dome is designed to stop many more types of threats, including cruise missiles, ballistic missiles, hypersonic missiles, and drones—both nuclear and non-nuclear.

Trump added, "Once fully constructed, the Golden Dome will be capable of intercepting missiles even if they are launched from other sides of the world and even if they are launched from space. This is very important for the success and even survival of our country."

Next-generation defense using space-based technology

The Golden Dome system will use new technology not just on land and sea but also in space. It will include space-based sensors and interceptors. Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth, who stood next to Trump during the announcement, said the goal is to defend “the homeland from cruise missiles, ballistic missiles, hypersonic missiles, and drones, whether they're conventional or nuclear.”

While Trump said the plan would cost $175 billion, the Congressional Budget Office has warned that a space-based missile defence system could be much more expensive. It estimated a similar plan could cost between $161 billion and $542 billion over 20 years.

Still, the US has already gained valuable experience in dealing with missile threats. In Ukraine, US systems have helped defend against advanced Russian missiles. Last year, US planes and warships supported Israel during missile attacks from Iran. The US has also shot down missiles and drones launched by Yemen's Huthi rebels in the Red Sea region.

Russia and China strongly oppose the plan
Russia and China are not happy with the Golden Dome plan. Both countries have said it could create a dangerous situation in space.

Earlier this month, they released a joint statement calling the plan “deeply destabilising” and said it could turn space into a “battlefield”. The Kremlin also said the plan "explicitly provides for a significant strengthening of the arsenal for conducting combat operations in space."

The US 2022 Missile Defence Review had already warned about increasing threats from Russia and China. It said China is getting closer to the US in terms of ballistic and hypersonic missile technology, while Russia is upgrading its long-range missiles. The report also mentioned growing threats from North Korea, Iran, and even non-state groups using rockets and drones.

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