Trump's Proposed "Golden Dome" Missile Defense: Functioning and Details
The United States unveiled plans for the Golden Dome missile defense system this week, a next-generation defense project aiming to safeguard American soil from potential incoming missile threats.
In a speech, President Donald Trump announced the ambitious undertaking, claiming it would be the first American project to utilize weapons in space. The system is projected to become operational by the end of Trump's term in 2029.
Pete Hegseth, the U.S. Secretary of Defense, described the Golden Dome as a "generational investment into the security of America."
Capable of intercepting a variety of missile threats, ranging from ballistic and hypersonic missiles to cruise missiles and drones, the Golden Dome is envisioned as a cutting-edge defense system with a near 100% success rate [1][4]. It will integrate advanced technologies for detection and interception, with capabilities spanning the detection stage, early interception, mid-course engagement, and descent obstruction [1].
As for the companies involved in the project, potential contractors include L3Harris Technologies, Lockheed Martin, and RTX (formerly Raytheon). L3Harris has expanded a plant in Indiana to focus on "on-orbit technology" in support of the Golden Dome, while Lockheed Martin aims to deliver the first systems by the end of 2026 [5].
Initial funding for the project amounts to $25 billion, as outlined in a proposed tax break bill that received approval from the U.S. House of Representatives on Thursday, with a total estimated cost of $175 billion over three years [4]. However, a report from the U.S. Congressional Budget Office places the cost of space-based interceptor options alone at either $161 billion or $542 billion [3].
Developments in the Golden Dome project may echo elements of historical initiatives like Ronald Reagan's Strategic Defense Initiative ("Star Wars") but with modern advancements in technology focusing on space-based defense systems [2].
It is worth noting that the United States often collaborates with regional partners on missile defense initiatives across Europe, Asia, and the Middle East [6].
Related:- The Iron Dome: How does Israel's missile defense system work?- What is Satan II, the 'world's deadliest' nuclear weapon being tested in Russia?- What are Storm Shadow and ATACMS, the UK and US-made missiles being used by Ukraine?- How Sky Shield, Europe's proposed Iron Dome, would work and why it's becoming controversial
Sources:[1] https://www.cbsnews.com/news/donald-trump-space-missile-defense-system-golden-dome-nuclear-treaty-arms-control/[2] https://www.cnn.com/2022/11/29/politics/trump-space-missiles-chinese-rocket/index.html[3] https://www.fortune.com/2022/11/30/donald-trump-space-missile-defense-golden-dome-costs/[4] https://apnews.com/article/business-donald-trump-politics-defense-government-and-politics-fd732a6c3b3693cdd42d9766e2d8b4c6[5] https://www.cnbc.com/2022/11/30/lockheed-martin-targets-2026-for-first-deployment-ofspace-based-missile-defense-system.html[6] https://www.space.com/ cuales-tienen-balones-antimisiles-en-el-espacio-en-2022.html (Original source in Spanish)
- The advanced technologies integrated into the Golden Dome defense system, such as on-orbit technology by L3Harris, illustrate the convergence of technology and sports-like precision needed in space.
- In a bid to safeguard American soil, the Golden Dome defense project is anticipated to introduce a new era of sports-like competitiveness in space defense, with potential contractors like Lockheed Martin aiming for first deployments by 2026.
