Trump Unveils $175 Billion ‘Golden Dome’: A Space-Age Missile Shield for the US

In a bold step toward futuristic defense capabilities, US President Donald Trump has announced the development of a revolutionary missile defense system dubbed the ‘Golden Dome’. Estimated at an initial cost of $175 billion, with long-term projections crossing $500 billion, the Golden Dome aims to provide a multi-layered shield against missile threats, including those originating from space. Drawing inspiration from Ronald Reagan’s 1980s ‘Star Wars’ programme, the Golden Dome introduces space-based interceptors and lasers as part of the most comprehensive defense initiative in American history.

Why in News?

On May 20, 2025, President Trump officially unveiled the Golden Dome missile defense concept at the White House. This marks the first formal move toward space-based missile defense, involving orbital lasers and interceptors. The announcement comes amid rising global threats, including hypersonic and space-launched missile technologies being developed by Russia and China.

Objectives and Purpose

• To protect the US homeland from ballistic, hypersonic, and space-based missile threats.

To build a multi-layered defense system with the ability to neutralize missiles during all phases of flight,

• Pre-launch
• Boost phase
• Midcourse
• Terminal phase

Features and Components

• Space-based Interceptors: The defining innovation, possibly including directed-energy weapons (e.g., orbital lasers).
• Multi-tier Capability: System envisioned at three levels — medium, high, and extra-high capacity, based on satellite density.

Integration of Existing Systems

• Patriot Missiles
• THAAD
• Aegis BMD
• Ground-based Midcourse Defence (GMD)

Budget and Timeline

• Initial allocation request: $25 billion
• Estimated long-term cost (especially for space-based elements): $542 billion
• Trump expects the system to be operational before January 2029

Geopolitical Implications

• China and Russia have condemned the plan as “deeply destabilising” and a militarisation of outer space.
• The move risks sparking a new arms race in space and shifts US policy from deterrence against rogue states to countering major powers.

Challenges and Criticisms

• Technological hurdles in deploying and maintaining space-based lasers.
• Coordination complexity among US defence agencies — Space Force, MDA, Navy, Army, and Air Force.
• Experts warn of a massive financial burden and limited effectiveness in neutralizing a full-scale nuclear strike.