Sounds great, but costs 175 billion: Trump announces launch of Golden Dome missile defence system

US President Donald Trump has announced the launch of the promised multi-level missile defence system called the Golden Dome, which is to become a key element of US national security.

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During a speech at the White House, Trump said that the total cost of the initiative would reach $175 billion, with initial funding of $25 billion through the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. According to him, the Golden Dome will be capable of intercepting missiles regardless of the direction or source of launch - from the territory of other countries or from space. He also emphasised the system's almost one hundred per cent efficiency.

The concept includes a combination of ground-based and orbital components, including satellite sensors, interceptors, and laser technology. A special feature of the project will be the placement of some interceptors in space, which will allow responding to threats before re-entry.

The full-fledged system is expected to be deployed within three years - by the end of Trump's current presidential term. General Michael Gatlin, vice chief of space operations of the US Space Force, will be responsible for its implementation.

However, experts express doubts about the initiative's implementation within the proposed timeframe. In particular, Todd Harrison of the American Enterprise Institute stressed that about 950 interceptors would be needed to destroy just one intercontinental missile in orbit, which casts doubt on the practical implementation of such a scenario in the coming years.

The Department of Defence has announced that it plans to hold a series of meetings with representatives of the defence industry in Huntsville, Alabama. The goal is to determine the technical and infrastructural capabilities of the project within two to four years. The potential for integrating existing systems within the programme is also being considered.

Source: ABC