The U.S. President Donald Trump announced a sweeping $175 billion missile defense initiative, dubbed the "Golden Dome," during a White House address on Tuesday.

Described as a "state-of-the-art" global and space-based shield, the program aims to protect the U.S. and its allies from modern and emerging missile threats, including intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs), hypersonic weapons, drones, and cruise missiles.

“This is the cutting-edge missile defense shield I promised during the campaign,” Trump declared. “Once fully constructed, the Golden Dome will intercept missiles launched from anywhere in the world, even from space.”

Led by U.S. Space Force General Michael Guetlein, the initiative begins with a $25 billion allocation and will integrate advanced land-, sea-, and space-based technologies, including satellite sensors, next-generation radar arrays, and interceptors. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth emphasized the system’s ability to counter a wide range of threats, both conventional and nuclear.

The announcement has sparked international concern, with Russia and China issuing a joint statement condemning the project as a risk to global stability. Following recent talks in Moscow, both nations warned that the Golden Dome could trigger a new arms race and further militarize outer space. The program’s name draws comparisons to Israel’s Iron Dome, though its scope is far broader, targeting long-range and space-based attacks.

The U.S. Missile Defense Review cited growing threats from China’s hypersonic advancements, Russia’s arsenal modernization, and missile capabilities of North Korea, Iran, and non-state actors as justification for the program. Trump called the initiative a “game-changer” for national and global security, noting Canada’s interest in joining, though no formal agreement has been confirmed.

Critics, however, question the project’s feasibility and cost. The Congressional Budget Office previously estimated that a limited space-based shield could cost between $161 billion and $542 billion over two decades. As the Golden Dome moves forward, it signals a bold escalation in U.S. defense strategy, with profound implications for geopolitics and space. (ILKHA)