Trump announces 'Golden Dome' groundbreaking missile defense - and Canada wants in on it
The US President has announced plans for a $175 billion missile defense system - and Canada wants to share the protection.
Donald Trump has unveiled grand plans for a state-of-the-art missile defense system, known as "Golden Dome" aimed at protecting the United States from foreign missile attacks. He claims it could be operational before the end of his potential second term.
"In the campaign I promised the American people I would build a cutting-edge missile defense shield," Mr. Trump declared at the White House. "Today I am pleased to announce we have officially selected architecture for this state-of-the-art system."
The $175 billion (£140 billion) defense shield is projected to be completed within three years, according to the former President.
In an interesting twist, Canada has shown interest in participating in the missile defense program, added Mr. Trump.
If fully implemented, Golden Dome would mark the first time the United States has placed weapons in space, enabling the destruction of incoming missiles during various phases of flight, reports the Telegraph.
Mr. Trump also confirmed that Gen Michael Guetlein, currently serving as vice-chief of space operations, will oversee the progress of the Golden Dome system.
This revolutionary shield is expected to incorporate both ground and space-based technologies, allowing US defenses to track and neutralize missiles at every possible stage - from pre-launch detection to intercepting threats mid-flight or as they close in on targets during their final descent.
According to the Express, Pentagon specialists, for several months, have been crafting various budget scenarios, with a US official citing "medium, high and extra high" cost possibilities. The planned configurations are centered around space-based interceptors, crucial to the initiatives at hand.
The Congressional Budget Office has projected a staggering potential expense of up to $542 billion over 20 years for just the space elements. Echoing this financial commitment, President Trump has sought an initial $25 billion for the Golden Dome initiative in his proposed tax cut bill circulating Congress.
Amidst growing unease about China's and Russia's missile advancements, Pentagon authorities argue that an elevated, sophisticated defense mechanism is imperative.
Encompassing networks of satellites and interceptors, Golden Dome is engineered to thwart adversaries' complex projectiles during their ascent or mid-course phases.
US Space Force's Gen Chance Saltzman detailed the advanced nature of Golden Dome weaponry in a recent hearing, stating: "The space-based weapons envisioned for Golden Dome represent new and emerging requirements for missions that have never before been accomplished by military space organisations," on Tuesday.
With its aspirational goals, Golden Dome promises to be a monumental stride in enhancing American military prowess in the cosmos, marking both a historic advancement and a move into an age defined by cutting-edge defensive strategies.
