Trump unveils plans for 'Golden Dome' defence system

President Donald Trump has announced the development of a sweeping new missile defense initiative dubbed the “Golden Dome,” a multibillion-dollar system designed to shield the U.S. from next-generation threats, including hypersonic and space-launched missiles.

U.S. President Donald Trump announced that a design has been selected for the futuristic "Golden Dome" missile defense system, which he says will be operational by the end of his current term. The system is intended to protect the U.S. from advanced aerial threats, including ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and other next-generation weapons.

Just days after returning to the White House in January, Trump directed the Department of Defense to develop plans for a comprehensive missile defense system. He described such threats as “the most catastrophic” facing the United States.

The Golden Dome will incorporate cutting-edge technologies across land, sea, and space, including space-based sensors and interceptors. Trump said the U.S. would invest $25 billion initially, with total costs projected to reach $175 billion—though other government estimates suggest it could exceed $500 billion over two decades.

The program will be led by Space Force General Michael Guetlein, who is currently serving as vice chief of space operations.

Inspired by Israel’s Iron Dome, the Golden Dome is envisioned as a far more expansive system. It would be capable of neutralizing a broad array of threats, such as hypersonic missiles and fractional orbital bombardment systems (FOBS), which can deliver warheads from space. Trump claimed the system will be able to intercept threats from anywhere in the world and achieve near-perfect accuracy.

During a press event in the Oval Office, Trump confirmed that Canada had expressed interest in joining the initiative. Former Canadian defense minister Bill Blair previously stated that participation in the project aligns with Canada’s national security interests, particularly with regard to threats in the Arctic.

U.S. defense officials have emphasized that the Golden Dome will provide multi-layered protection, targeting threats before launch, during flight, and at various stages of deployment. The entire system will be centrally commanded to ensure rapid response and coordination.

Trump has tied initial funding to his broader One Big Beautiful Bill, which is still pending in Congress. Meanwhile, the Congressional Budget Office has warned that the costs could balloon significantly, particularly for the space-based elements of the program.

“There’s really no system right now,” Trump said. “There are certain capabilities, but nothing comprehensive. This will be a game-changer.”

A recent report from the Defense Intelligence Agency supports that concern, warning that countries like China and Russia are actively developing missiles designed to bypass current U.S. defenses.

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