Trump's "Golden Dome" defense plan draws praise and skepticism
In the coming days, the Pentagon will likely present plans for building the "Golden Dome" to Donald Trump. The project, intended to resemble the Israeli "Iron Dome" missile defense system but on a much larger scale, aims to cover the entire United States. However, it is already raising many questions.
On January 27, 2025, just one week after taking office for his second term, the US President directed the Department of Defense to create a plan for defending the country against various aerial threats, according to The Eurasian Times. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and his team were given 60 days to prepare the "Golden Dome" project, focusing on its "reference architecture, capabilities-based requirements and an implementation plan."
The "Golden Dome" - Trump's idea for defending the US
Trump believes the country needs an "impenetrable dome" for absolute protection against air threats, including ballistic missiles, drones, cruise missiles, and even hypersonic attacks. In light of rising threats from countries like Russia, China, Iran, and North Korea, the President argues that current US defense systems are inadequate. He stated in a speech that US needs to build the American Golden Dome that will protect our cities and citizens.
It's worth noting that this concept is not entirely new. Trump mentioned it during his first term, but the idea has gained renewed attention with his return to the presidency and escalating geopolitical tensions. The "Golden Dome" aims to showcase the strength of the USA and bring recognition to the Commander-in-Chief of the United States Armed Forces.
This project, at least rhetorically, is intended to cover the entire country—from coast to coast. Trump insists that the system be based on advanced technologies like laser weapons, kinetic systems, and integrated long-range radars that operate in real time with American spy satellites. There is also potential for integrating it with existing missile defense systems like THAAD, Patriot PAC-3, or GMD, but in a more coordinated and automated manner.
The Eurasian Times notes that the Missile Defense Agency (MDA) is considering various timelines for the "Golden Dome" project. The earliest plan suggests launching it by December 31, 2026, with subsequent stages to follow by 2030 and beyond. The Pentagon has received over 360 classified and unclassified summaries of ideas for planning and implementing the system, which specialists are analyzing to develop a viable project.
The MDA is also scheduled to meet with defense industry leaders in Alabama for discussions on US air defense capabilities from April 30 to May 2. Participants include companies like Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, RTX.N (formerly Raytheon), and SpaceX. "[They] are expected to submit proposals outlining technological approaches and deployment strategies for space-based interceptor systems, sensors or control systems," Reuters reports.
Nevertheless, Trump's idea has faced substantial skepticism. Defense experts warn that such a project would be extremely costly and technologically challenging. While the Iron Dome works effectively for Israel's limited territory, creating a system to protect a much larger area poses logistical and financial difficulties. Estimates suggest building such a system could cost trillions of dollars and still not guarantee 100% effectiveness.
For example, William Hartung, a senior fellow at the Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft, stated: "The system [Golden Dome] borrows part of its name from — Israel's Iron Dome system — is only designed to defend against short to medium-range missiles. It would be of no use against an incoming intercontinental ballistic missile." Yet, according to Trump's expectations, the "Golden Dome" should protect against those threats as well.
Joseph Cirincione, retired president of the Ploughshares Fund and former Congressional staffer, shared a similar perspective. "While we can intercept short-range missiles such as those used in the Middle East or Ukraine, there is zero chance we can intercept long-range missiles that span the oceans. We have spent over $400 billion since 1983 on nothing. Future expenditures will just be throwing money down a rat hole. This is the mother of all scandals," he says.
However, supporters of the "Golden Dome" project point out its potential to significantly enhance the United States' defense capabilities. General Michael Guetlein of the US Space Force compared the scale of this endeavor to the Manhattan Project, which aimed to develop the atomic bomb, noting that it requires the involvement of the entire government and national determination.
The defense industry also views the "Golden Dome" as an opportunity to advance technologies. Frank St. John, Chief Operating Officer of Lockheed Martin, noted that his company is exploring various solutions, including command and control networks and Sentinel A4 radars, which could support President Trump's initiative.
Yet even among supporters, there are cautious voices. Retired Rear Admiral Mark Montgomery pointed out that creating an effective missile defense system could take 7-10 years and may initially focus on protecting key federal facilities and major cities. This suggests that in its early stages, the "Golden Dome" would not be a system safeguarding the entire USA from coast to coast.
