United States President Donald Trump has unveiled new details about a groundbreaking missile defense initiative known as the “Golden Dome”, which he claims will be the first weapon the US places in space. Estimated to cost around $175 billion, the space-based defense shield is expected to become operational within three years, by the end of Trump’s current term.
President Trump stated that the system’s architecture has been finalized, building on the announcement he made shortly after returning to the White House in January. At that time, he described the project as a countermeasure against next-generation aerial threats, including ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, hypersonic weapons, and drones, whether conventional or nuclear.
Describing it as “very important for the success and even survival of the United States,” Trump emphasized that the Golden Dome will integrate land-, sea-, and space-based technologies. It will feature space-based sensors and interceptors that can track and neutralize threats at various stages of flight—including pre-launch, mid-air, and even space-based missile attacks.
Speaking alongside Trump, Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth noted that the Golden Dome will be interconnected with current ground-based defense systems and will serve as a comprehensive shield for the homeland. The system is designed to detect and neutralize a wide array of modern threats, ensuring multi-layered protection.
Although President Trump pegged the total cost at $175 billion, the Congressional Budget Office has estimated the full lifecycle cost could exceed $500 billion over two decades. An initial $25 billion in funding has already been announced, and future costs will be gradually absorbed.
The initiative will be led by US Space Force General Michael Guetlein, a four-star general with over 30 years of experience in missile defense and space systems. General Guetlein has been part of the Space Force since 2021 and is considered a top expert in aerospace military defense.
While primarily intended to defend the United States, Trump revealed that Canada has expressed interest in joining the program, citing the importance of shared North American defense.
The Golden Dome marks a major shift in US defense policy, signaling a bold step into space-based warfare and deterrence.
