Donald Trump’s ‘Golden Dome’: A high-tech shield of lasers, space radars and missile interceptors

File photograph of US President Donald Trump (Pic credit score: AP)

US is engaged on a sophisticated missile defence system known as the “Golden Dome,” aiming to create an invisible shield utilizing space-based radars, missile interceptors, and laser weapons. This mission, first envisioned by former US President Ronald Reagan 40 years in the past, has been revived beneath US President Donald Trump’s directive.
Inspired by Israel’s Iron Dome, the Golden Dome goals to guard the complete US from threats like intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) and hypersonic weapons. However, overlaying a rustic of this dimension presents main challenges. Experts are debating whether or not it can shield all US territories, together with Hawaii, Alaska, and abroad navy bases.
According to a report from Fox News, Defence leaders imagine present know-how could make the Golden Dome potential. Raytheon CEO Phil Jasper confused the necessity for a layered defence system to counter completely different threats, from drones to hypersonic missiles. Currently, US has missile defence techniques like THAAD and Patriot, however their deployment is restricted.
The division of defence (DoD) and the workplace of administration and finances will quickly current a funding plan for the mission. Defence firms predict that sure components of the system might be operational as early as 2026. The plan might begin by defending key cities like Washington, DC, and New York earlier than increasing.
Jonathan Moneymaker, CEO of BlueHalo, stated the most important problem is just not know-how however organisation, as a number of businesses should work collectively. Lockheed Martin govt John Clark steered that present defence techniques might be repurposed, however this may quickly cut back navy readiness in different areas.
One main hurdle is monitoring trendy missiles that don’t observe predictable paths, making them more durable to intercept. Edward Zoiss of L3Harris Technologies highlighted the necessity for space-based radar to detect such threats successfully.
The Golden Dome might incorporate components of present defence tasks, such because the missile defence system defending Washington, DC, and a brand new Iron Dome-style system being developed in Guam. US can also be engaged on high-powered microwave weapons to counter drone assaults.
Funding for the Golden Dome is anticipated to be included in Trump’s fiscal 12 months 2026 finances request, however full implementation might take years and require important funding. Acting undersecretary of defence Steven Morani acknowledged the challenges forward however stated the federal government is working with personal sector companions to beat them.