The US President has unveiled a plan to develop a cutting-edge missile defense shield, dubbed the ‘Golden Dome,’ which aims to detect, track, and intercept incoming missiles at an estimated cost of $175 billion.
President Trump has unveiled a plan to develop a cutting-edge missile defense shield, which he dubbed the ‘Golden Dome.’ The system aims to detect, track, and potentially intercept incoming missiles, with an estimated cost of $175 billion.
What’s Behind the Golden Dome?
Trump argues that the Golden Dome is crucial for the success and survival of the United States. He claims that once fully constructed, the system will be capable of intercepting missiles launched from anywhere in the world, including space.
According to Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth, the dome will protect the homeland from a range of threats, including cruise missiles, ballistic missiles, hypersonic missiles, drones, and even nuclear-tipped projectiles. The system’s more expansive goals include deploying ‘next-generation technologies across the land, sea, and space,’ including space-based sensors and interceptors.
How Does It Work?
The Golden Dome missile defense system aims to create a network of satellites to detect, track, and potentially intercept incoming missiles. The dome would have the capacity to deploy hundreds of satellites for missile detection and tracking.
However, some experts question whether this approach is effective against the range of threats posed by countries like Russia and China. Missile threats to the US are starkly different from those faced by Israel‘s Iron Dome air defense system, which has intercepted thousands of short-range rockets and other projectiles since becoming operational in 2011.
The Iron Dome is a mobile air defense system developed by Israel to protect against short-range rocket attacks. Developed in collaboration with Rafael Advanced Defense Systems and Elta Systems, the system uses radar and computer systems to detect and intercept incoming rockets. The 'Iron Dome has been credited with intercepting over 90% of Palestinian rocket attacks,' making it a crucial component of Israel's national defense strategy.
Global Reactions
Both Russia and China have slammed plans to develop the missile shield, calling it ‘deeply destabilizing’ and arguing that a Golden Dome would risk turning space into a ‘battlefield.’ Domestically, some Democrats are concerned about the system’s procurement process, particularly in light of the potential involvement of Trump ally Elon Musk’s SpaceX.
Russia and China have strengthened their strategic partnership in recent years, driven by shared interests and a desire for global influence.
Bilateral trade has increased significantly, with China becoming Russia's largest trading partner.
The two nations cooperate on energy projects, including the Power of Siberia gas pipeline.
They also collaborate on defense and security issues, participating in joint military exercises.
Russia's economic dependence on China has grown, while China sees Russia as a key player in its Belt and Road Initiative.
Conclusion
The development of the Golden Dome missile defense system is a complex issue with significant implications for global security. As the US moves forward with its plans to deploy this system, it remains to be seen whether it will prove effective against the range of threats posed by countries like Russia and China.
