By Kolawole Ojebisi
United States President Donald Trump has taken another step towards the realization of one of its campaign promises.
This is as the US helmsman, on Wednesday, unveiled new details and initial funding for his much touted “Golden Dome” missile defence system.
According to him, the structure will be a multi-layered shield designed to protect the nation from missile threats originating from land, sea, and space.
Showing his readiness to launch the project, Trump speaking at the White House announced an initial allocation of $25 billion for the project, which he estimates could ultimately cost around $175 billion and be operational within three years.
“During my campaign, I promised the American people a cutting-edge missile defence shield. Today, I am proud to announce that we have officially selected the architecture for this state-of-the-art system,” Trump stated.
While highlighting the significance of the contraption, Trump noted that once fully operational the Golden Dome would be capable of intercepting missiles launched from anywhere in the world, including those fired from space. “This is crucial for the survival and success of our country,” he added.
The US president stressed that the US Space Force General Michael Guetlein will oversee the project,
Meanwhile the project has an admixture of approbation and condemnation from other countries.
While Canada has expressed interest in supporting the US initiative in its bid to secure similar protection, the announcement has drawn sharp criticism from its geopolitical rival, China.
China has accused Washington of undermining global stability and fuelling an arms race, asserting that it threatens international security and destabilises the global strategic balance.
Foreign ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning criticised the US for prioritising its own security at the expense of others and warned that the plan risks turning space into a battlefield and escalating an arms race.
However, defending US’ decision, Pentagon Chief Pete Hegseth emphasised the shield’s role in protecting the homeland from a wide range of missile threats.
“The system aims to integrate next-generation technologies, including space-based sensors and interceptors, to defend against cruise missiles, ballistic missiles, hypersonic missiles, and drones, whether conventional or nuclear”, Hegseth said.
The Golden Dome concept draws inspiration from Israel’s Iron Dome, which has successfully intercepted thousands of short-range rockets since 2011.
However, the US system is far more expansive, designed to counter sophisticated ballistic and hypersonic missiles over a territory vastly larger than Israel’s.
Recall that during Biden’s reign, the 2022 US Missile Defence Review highlighted growing threats from China and Russia.
The review argued that both countries are advancing missile technologies.
It also noted the increasing role of drones in modern warfare and the persistent missile threats from North Korea, Iran, and non-state actors.
In recent years, US defence systems have gained valuable experience countering missile and drone attacks, notably in Ukraine and in protecting Israel and naval vessels from Iranian and Huthi missile strikes.
