US President Donald Trump has unveiled new details and initial funding for the ambitious “Golden Dome” global anti-missile defense system, prompting strong criticism from China, which accuses the US of destabilizing international security.
Trump announced on Tuesday that $25 billion has been allocated for the project, which could ultimately cost around $175 billion and aims to be operational within three years. The system is designed to intercept missiles launched from any location, including space, marking a significant advancement in missile defense capabilities.
At a White House event, Trump said, “We have officially selected the architecture for this state-of-the-art system,” emphasizing its importance for national survival. He named US Space Force General Michael Guetlein to lead the program and noted that Canada has shown interest in participating to secure its own defense.
While Trump estimates the total cost at about $175 billion, the Congressional Budget Office projects that space-based interceptors could cost between $161 billion and $542 billion over two decades. The Golden Dome system plans to deploy next-generation technologies across land, sea, and space, including space-based sensors and interceptors.
Pentagon Chief Pete Hegseth highlighted the system’s mission to protect the homeland from a wide range of threats, such as cruise missiles, ballistic missiles, hypersonic missiles, and drones, whether conventional or nuclear.
The name “Golden Dome” draws inspiration from Israel’s Iron Dome, which has successfully intercepted thousands of short-range rockets since 2011. However, the US system targets more complex threats from long-range missiles, particularly those posed by China and Russia.
The 2022 Missile Defense Review pointed out the rising missile capabilities of China and Russia, including ballistic and hypersonic technologies, alongside growing drone threats seen in conflicts like Ukraine. The review also warned of missile risks from North Korea, Iran, and non-state actors.
China expressed “serious concern” over the Golden Dome plan, stating it undermines global strategic balance and stability. Foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning criticized the US for prioritizing its own security at the expense of others, warning that the system increases the risk of space becoming a battleground and fuels an arms race.
Earlier this month, China and Russia jointly condemned the project as “deeply destabilizing,” with Russia highlighting its potential to enhance combat capabilities in space.
The US has gained practical experience defending against missile and drone attacks in recent conflicts, including supporting Ukraine against Russian missiles, defending Israel from Iranian strikes, and countering attacks by Yemen’s Houthi rebels on naval vessels.
