U.S. military develops ‘Golden Dome’ missile defense system

US military officials are actively working to develop a new missile defense system called the “Golden Dome.” This system is intended to protect the country from long-range missile strikes. The White House has assured that there will be no financial limits in this effort, which is a top priority for President Donald Trump. The “Golden Dome” is similar to Israel’s Iron Dome but is still vague in its planning. While the Pentagon is facing budget cuts, military leaders are being instructed to allocate funding for this system in future budget proposals from 2026 to 2030. However, as of now, Golden Dome remains an unformed concept without detailed plans, making it difficult to estimate future costs. Trump has emphasized the need for a strong missile defense program. He believes the US should have a system akin to the Iron Dome, but experts say these systems are very different. The Iron Dome defends a small area and addresses short-range threats, while Trump’s vision is for a nationwide system to guard against advanced missiles. Military officials have begun adjusting the Defense Department’s budget to prioritize the Golden Dome project. They are also working with the defense industry to explore how to implement this new system. Despite the progress, it is unclear how much funding will be requested, and experts believe building a comprehensive system could take years. Some missile defense specialists express skepticism. They warn that a reliable system capable of fully protecting the US would be extremely expensive and technically challenging. Current missile defenses have struggled to intercept threats, and experts highlight the limitations of ground-based systems. US arms companies see potential profits from the Golden Dome project. Many companies are already submitting proposals, indicating strong interest in participating in its development. There are also concerns about how this new defense system may change existing military dynamics. Some analysts believe it could trigger responses from adversaries like Russia and China, who might enhance their missile capabilities in response. Overall, the Golden Dome remains largely theoretical at this point, with significant hurdles to overcome. The project raises questions about feasibility, strategy, and the financial realities of developing such a wide-reaching missile defense system.