What we know about Trump’s ‘Golden Dome’, futuristic US missile defence seeking to make ‘space wars’ a reality

What is Trump’s proposed ‘Golden Dome’?

Trump said that the system will comprise, among other things, space-based sensors and interceptors. If this were to be true, this would make the Golden Dome the very first truly space-based weapon system.

As of right now, the use of space technology in defence has largely been restricted to reconnaissance. Satellites provide crucial targeting and other data for Earth-based weapon systems such as long-range missiles, guided munitions, etc.

The proposed Golden Dome goes one step further, with the introduction of interceptors to be launched from space. Exactly how they will work is still unclear. But according to the initial plans, the system will comprise thousands of small satellites orbiting Earth, which will intercept an enemy missile mere moments after it is launched, NPR reported.

This is not an altogether novel idea, however. Orbital weaponry, that is, weapon systems placed in an orbit around Earth, have been conceptualised and even designed by the US and Soviet Union during the Cold War, and even Nazi Germany during World War II.

Trump himself invoked former US President Ronald Reagan while discussing the missile system. “Ronald Reagan wanted it many years ago, but they didn’t have the technology,” Trump said, referring to the space-based missile defense system, popularly called “Star Wars”, that Reagan proposed.

Inspired by Israel’s Iron Dome

As the name suggests, the idea behind Golden Dome is inspired by Israel’s much lauded Iron Dome system. Developed in the aftermath of the 2006 Israeli-Lebanon War, the system comprises ground-launched Tamir interceptor missiles and an array of radar installations that capture and track enemy aerial threats, from rockets, missiles, and artillery shells to low-flying aircraft, helicopters, and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).

But the Iron Dome’s capabilities pale in comparison to what Trump wants with the Golden Dome.

* The Iron Dome is a short-range, ground-based aerial defence system. It does not rely on satellites for any aspect of its functionality, even tracking. It primarily relies on radars to identify and track enemy targets.

Although Trump’s Golden Dome will likely comprise radar and other ground-based targeting systems as well, its main selling point, thus far, is the deployment of space-based systems.

* Israel is nearly 400 times smaller than the US, and consists of mostly flat desert terrain, which makes short-range interceptors ideal and cost-efficient for air defence. Moreover, its primary threats come from non-conventional actors like Hezbollah and Hamas.

The US requires a far more expansive air defence system. Most notably, the US must be able to defend against Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles (ICBMs), technology which both China and Russia — Washington’s two main geopolitical rivals — possess.

ICBMs can be launched from tens of thousands of kilometres away, and travel to space as a part of their flight trajectory. Tracking ICBMs necessitates the use of satellites. And while they can be neutralised using ground-based interceptors, space-based weapons have long been thought to be more effective for this task given that they re-enter Earth’s atmosphere at hypersonic speeds.

Long way from being operational

Trump said the defense shield would cost some $175 billion, and will be operational by January 2029, when his term ends. But industry experts are skeptical of both this timeline and estimated cost, Reuters reported.

Republican lawmakers have proposed a $25-billion initial investment for Golden Dome as part of a broader $150-billion defense package. But this funding is tied to the contentious “One Big, Beautiful Bill” that is expected to face significant hurdles in Congress, including from Republican lawmakers.

Technologically speaking, the idea behind Golden Dome is not far-fetched. But it is untested, and at the moment, more of a “concept”. “Right now, Golden Dome is, it’s really an idea,” one source had told CNN in March. This also makes projecting timelines and costs very difficult, the article added.

However, high profile defence contractors are already making their pitches directly to Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth. Apart from legacy defence giants, Silicon Valley companies are expected to participate in the program.

Democratic lawmakers have voiced concern about the procurement process and involvement of Trump ally Elon Musk’s SpaceX, which has emerged as a frontrunner alongside Palantir (PLTR.O), and Anduril to build key components of the system, Reuters reported.