In May 2025, President Donald Trump unveiled an ambitious plan to create a comprehensive missile defence system known as the “Golden Dome.” This initiative aims to shield the United States from a range of missile threats, including ballistic, hypersonic, and cruise missiles, by deploying a network of advanced technologies both in space and on the ground. The Golden Dome is envisioned as a multi-layered defence mechanism, drawing inspiration from Israel’s Iron Dome but designed to cover the vast expanse of the U.S. territory.
The Golden Dome project is a response to the evolving missile capabilities of adversaries such as China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea. These nations have been developing sophisticated missile technologies that can potentially reach the U.S. mainland. The proposed defence system would involve a constellation of satellites equipped with sensors to detect and track incoming missiles, coupled with interceptors capable of neutralising threats during various phases of their trajectory. This approach aims to provide a robust shield against potential attacks, enhancing national security.
The estimated cost of the Golden Dome project is around $175 billion, with an initial funding request of $25 billion submitted to Congress. The plan is to have the system operational by the end of President Trump’s current term in 2029. However, industry experts have raised concerns about the feasibility of this timeline and budget, citing the complexity of integrating various technologies and the scale of deployment required. The Congressional Budget Office has projected that the total cost could escalate to between $161 billion and $542 billion over two decades.
Several defence contractors are expected to play significant roles in the development and deployment of the Golden Dome system. Companies like Lockheed Martin, L3Harris Technologies, RTX Corp (formerly Raytheon), and emerging tech firms such as SpaceX and Anduril Industries are among those poised to contribute. SpaceX, for instance, has proposed building a “custody layer” consisting of 400 to 1,000 satellites to detect and track missile trajectories. However, this proposal has sparked concerns due to its subscription-based model, which could potentially limit government control over critical infrastructure.
The Golden Dome’s architecture is designed to be modular and scalable, allowing for the integration of new technologies as they become available. This open architecture approach enables the incorporation of advancements in artificial intelligence, sensor technology, and interceptor capabilities. The system is expected to operate through multiple layers, including space-based interceptors for early threat neutralisation and ground-based systems for terminal phase interception. Additionally, non-kinetic capabilities, such as cyber defence measures, are being considered to augment the system’s effectiveness.
Canada has expressed interest in participating in the Golden Dome project, with discussions underway to determine the extent of its involvement. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney acknowledged the importance of such a defence initiative to protect Canadians, especially given emerging space-based missile threats. The partnership would build on existing defence collaborations under the North American Aerospace Defence Command (NORAD). However, the specifics of Canada’s contribution and the financial implications are still being negotiated.
The Golden Dome initiative has drawn comparisons to President Ronald Reagan’s Strategic Defence Initiative (SDI), commonly referred to as “Star Wars,” which aimed to develop a space-based missile defence system during the Cold War era. While technological advancements have made such systems more feasible today, challenges remain in terms of cost, coordination among various agencies, and potential geopolitical ramifications. Critics argue that the deployment of space-based weapons could provoke an arms race and destabilise existing strategic balances.
Organisational challenges are also a significant concern for the Golden Dome project. Integrating efforts across different branches of the military, government agencies, and private contractors requires a level of coordination that has not been previously achieved. General Michael Guetlein, appointed to lead the initiative, emphasised the need for a collaborative approach, stating that the biggest hurdles will be organisational behaviour and culture. The Pentagon has yet to delegate specific responsibilities, and the success of the project hinges on effective collaboration among all stakeholders.
Despite these challenges, the Golden Dome represents a bold step towards enhancing the United States’ missile defense capabilities. By leveraging cutting-edge technologies and fostering partnerships between the government and private sector, the initiative aims to provide a comprehensive shield against evolving threats. However, the project’s success will depend on securing adequate funding, overcoming technical and organizational obstacles, and navigating the complex geopolitical landscape.
