Golden Dome: Trump’s $175B missile defence plan for US

First commissioned in January, the Golden Dome is a space-based missile defence system featuring hundreds of satellites designed to detect, track, and intercept threats in real-time, expanding on Israel’s Iron Dome with advanced orbital capabilities

US President Donald Trump has officially announced the launch of the “Golden Dome,” a massive $175 billion missile defence initiative aimed at neutralizing emerging threats from China and Russia. The ambitious space-based program will be led by US Space Force General Michael Guetlein.

Speaking from the Oval Office, President Trump described the Golden Dome as a transformative step in America’s defence strategy. “This will protect our homeland from hostile missile threats,” he said, revealing that Canada has expressed interest in becoming a partner in the effort.

First commissioned in January, the Golden Dome envisions a high-tech satellite network capable of detecting, tracking, and intercepting incoming missiles in real-time. Inspired by Israel’s Iron Dome, the US version will expand into space with hundreds of surveillance and interceptor satellites forming a comprehensive shield.

Space becomes new defence frontier

The plan marks a strategic pivot toward space as the next frontier in missile defence. While the concept has been praised by defence hawks, the project is expected to face significant hurdles, particularly around funding and oversight.

Democratic lawmakers have raised concerns over the scale and procurement process of the program, especially with major defence contractors like SpaceX, Palantir, and Anduril emerging as frontrunners for key roles. Critics argue that the selection process may favour politically aligned firms.

The Pentagon is now preparing to launch the development and testing phases, beginning with the design and deployment of early sensor and tracking technologies. Full implementation is expected to take several years.

Despite political friction, Trump emphasized the program’s urgency. “Golden Dome is not just a defence system—it’s a message that America will lead in space and security,” he said, positioning the shield as a central pillar of his administration’s national defence agenda.