President Donald Trump has announced plans for a sweeping new missile defence initiative dubbed the “Golden Dome,” a system he claims will be capable of intercepting a broad range of advanced aerial threats, including hypersonic missiles and space-based attacks. The project, modeled in part on Israel’s Iron Dome but significantly larger and more complex, is intended to safeguard the United States from evolving threats posed by adversaries such as Russia and China.
Speaking from the Oval Office, Trump revealed that Space Force General Michael Guetlein, currently vice chief of space operations, will lead the effort. The system will integrate next-generation technologies across land, sea, and space, using space-based sensors and interceptors to detect and neutralize threats from multiple vectors, including intercontinental missiles and fractional orbital bombardment systems (FOBS).
“This will be the most advanced missile defence system ever created,” Trump declared. “It will knock threats out of the sky no matter where they come from, or even if they come from space.”
An initial $25 billion has been allocated under a new budget proposal known as the “One Big Beautiful Bill,” though full funding still awaits Congressional approval. Long-term costs could soar, with estimates from the Congressional Budget Office projecting up to $542 billion over 20 years for space components alone.
Canada has expressed interest in joining the initiative. Former Canadian Defence Minister Bill Blair stated earlier this year that participation would be in Canada’s national interest, particularly in light of growing Arctic security concerns.
The Department of Defense has been instructed to prioritize the development of the system, as officials acknowledge that current U.S. defences have not kept pace with modern missile technologies. A report from the Defense Intelligence Agency warned that nations like China and Russia are actively seeking to exploit vulnerabilities in U.S. air and space defence.
If completed, the Golden Dome would mark a transformative shift in U.S. defence posture, potentially redefining the strategic balance in global security. Trump affirmed that the system will be operational by the end of his second term, aiming for what he called “a near-perfect success rate.”
