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Trump’s ‘Golden Dome’
What we know about Trump’s ‘Golden Dome’, futuristic US missile defence seeking to make ‘space wars’ a reality
Context: US President Donald Trump on Tuesday, May 20, announced that he has shortlisted a design for a futuristic missile defence system named the “Golden Dome”.
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- General Michael Guetlein of the US Space Force has been appointed to lead the project.
- First proposed by Trump in January 2025, inspired by Israel’s Iron Dome.
What is the Golden Dome?
- A next-generation missile defence shield, inspired by Israel’s Iron Dome, but far more ambitious in scale and scope.
- It seeks to integrate land-, sea-, and space-based technologies to detect and neutralise missile threats.
Key Technological Features
- It will feature space-based interceptors, potentially making it the first operational space-based weapon system, going beyond current satellite reconnaissance roles.
The Golden Dome will reportedly include: Thousands of small satellites orbiting Earth. These satellites will intercept enemy missiles within moments of launch. - Combines radar, ground-based targeting, and satellite systems for layered defence.
Historical Context
- Trump likened the concept to Ronald Reagan’s “Star Wars” Strategic Defence Initiative from the 1980s.
- Space-based weapons have long been conceptualised, dating back to:
- Nazi Germany during World War II.
- The Cold War-era US and Soviet Union designs.
- Reagan’s plan was ahead of its time; Trump claims today’s technology can now make it a reality.
Comparison with Israel’s Iron Dome
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- The Iron Dome is:
- A short-range, ground-based air defence system.
- Uses Tamir interceptor missiles and radar installations.
- Effective against rockets, missiles, artillery shells, low-flying aircraft, and drones.
- The Iron Dome is:
- Strategic Differences:
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- Israel: ~400 times smaller than the US, flat desert terrain, threats from non-state actors like Hamas.
- US: Needs defense across vast geography, against ICBMs that travel through space and re-enter at hypersonic speeds.
Budget, Timeline, and Feasibility
- Estimated cost: $175 billion
- Proposed operational deadline: January 2029, by the end of Trump’s potential second term.
- Initial funding: $25 billion requested as part of a $150 billion defence package, tied to Trump’s “One Big, Beautiful Bill”. The bill faces legislative hurdles, including resistance from Republican lawmakers.
- Expert scepticism: Defence experts say the system is still at the conceptual stage. Timelines and budgets are speculative due to lack of proven technology.
Defence Industry and Corporate Involvement
- Despite the uncertainty, the announcement has attracted major interest from both traditional defence contractors and Silicon Valley companies. Some notable names reportedly pitching ideas to Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth include:
- SpaceX – Founded by Trump ally Elon Musk, considered a frontrunner.
- Palantir Technologies (PLTR.O) – Known for its big data and military analytics.
- Anduril Industries – A tech-driven defence startup focused on autonomous systems.
- However, Democratic lawmakers have raised concerns about the procurement process, especially the involvement of companies with close ties to Trump.
