ISLAMABAD (PEN) : President Donald Trump has formally announced the launch of the “Golden Dome,” a next-generation U.S. missile defense initiative aimed at countering a broad spectrum of aerial and space-based threats, including hypersonic weapons and intercontinental ballistic missiles.
The plan, modeled after Israel’s Iron Dome but designed on a significantly larger and more complex scale, is expected to deliver a multi-tiered defense shield over U.S. airspace—integrating land, sea, and space-based systems.
Multi-Layered Missile Shield
Speaking from the Oval Office, President Trump described the Golden Dome as a “revolutionary leap forward” in national defense. “All of them will be knocked out of the air,” he said, asserting the system’s near-total interception capability against incoming threats.
The new initiative will incorporate advanced space-based interceptors and sensors, designed to detect and neutralize threats before they can reach U.S. territory. This includes protection against ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, hypersonic glide vehicles, and fractional orbital bombardment systems (FOBS)—weapons capable of launching warheads from orbit.
“There really is no current system,” Trump said, adding, “There has never been anything like this.”
Oversight and Budget
The U.S. Department of Defense will oversee the Golden Dome project, with operational leadership entrusted to Space Force General Michael Guetlein, the current vice chief of space operations. A centralized command structure will ensure real-time coordination across all branches of the defense system.
The project has been allocated an initial budget of \$25 billion as part of a broader legislative defense package. Long-term costs are projected at \$175 billion, though independent analysts suggest that figure could exceed \$500 billion over the next 20 years due to the complex space components involved.
International Interest and Strategic Alignment
Canada has expressed early interest in joining the program. During a recent visit to Washington, former Canadian Defence Minister Bill Blair said the project aligned closely with Canada’s Arctic defense interests and commitment to North American security collaboration.
The Golden Dome reflects growing international concerns over the evolving missile capabilities of adversaries such as China and Russia. A recent assessment by the U.S. Defense Intelligence Agency warned that rival nations are rapidly advancing their missile programs, exploiting gaps in existing U.S. defense systems.
Drawing Lessons from Israel’s Iron Dome
While inspired by Israel’s Iron Dome—renowned for intercepting short-range rockets—the Golden Dome is designed for global scale and complexity. Unlike its Israeli counterpart, the U.S. system will engage threats from thousands of kilometers away, including those launched from space.
The program marks a dramatic expansion of American missile defense strategy, with experts predicting that successful implementation could redefine global standards for aerial and orbital defense in the years to come.
