Donald Trump Unveils “Golden Dome,” an Ambitious Missile Shield to Protect the U.S. Homeland

From the Oval Office on Tuesday, May 20, President Donald Trump officially announced the construction of a new missile defense system, dubbed the “Golden Dome,” modeled after Israel’s renowned “Iron Dome.” Framing the initiative as a “generational investment in America’s security,” Trump presented the project as a centerpiece of his national defense strategy.

A $175 Billion Project Set for Completion by End of Term

According to Trump, the system will be fully operational before the end of his current term and is expected to cost around $175 billion once completed. Canada has already agreed to join the initiative. “We have officially selected an architecture for this state-of-the-art system,” the president told the press, claiming it would be capable of “intercepting missiles even if launched from other parts of the world.”

An Israeli Blueprint, a Global Vision

The term “Golden Dome” is a direct reference to Israel’s Iron Dome, a missile defense system that has been in service since 2011 and is designed to intercept short- and medium-range rockets, missiles, and drones. With an interception rate of approximately 90%, according to its developer Rafael, the Iron Dome has successfully protected Israeli cities from numerous attacks. Originally developed by Israel after the 2006 Lebanon war, the system later received substantial U.S. technical and financial backing.

However, experts caution that such systems are not designed to counter intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs). The feasibility of adapting the Iron Dome concept into a comprehensive, global-scale defense system remains uncertain.

A Heightened Geopolitical Backdrop

Trump’s announcement drew swift criticism from China and Russia, both likening it to the Cold War-era “Star Wars” program launched by President Ronald Reagan. According to the latest U.S. Missile Defense Review, threats from modernized Russian arsenals, China’s expanding hypersonic and ballistic missile capabilities, as well as growing risks from North Korea and Iran, all justify the need for such a system.

The report also highlights the increasing threat of drones, which have played a decisive role in the war in Ukraine. In recent years, the U.S. has gained significant experience in countering missiles and drones, from intercepting attacks over Israel to downing projectiles launched by Iran-backed Houthi rebels targeting U.S. naval vessels in the Red Sea.