Washington, May 21 (HS): U.S. President Donald Trump unveiled the ‘Golden Dome’ missile defense project on Tuesday, aiming to develop an advanced missile defense shield to counter threats from space. The project is anticipated to cost around $175 billion and is expected to be completed within three years, overseen by Space Force General Michael Guetlein. This initiative echoes former President Ronald Reagan’s Star Wars program, although the White House claims that advancements in technology have made parts of Reagan’s vision viable. Trump emphasized that the project would launch before the end of his term and specified that it would intercept missiles from space and worldwide.

A year ago, Trump advocated for a U.S. missile defense similar to Israel’s Iron Dome, which reportedly intercepted nearly 300 threats during Iranian attacks. Missile defense expert Tom Karako highlighted that current U.S. systems primarily target intercontinental ballistic missiles from rogue states, indicating a vulnerability against drones, cruise missiles, and hypersonic weapons. He stressed the need for improved protection and affirmed that the Golden Dome would enhance American strategic security. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth expressed Trump’s commitment to safeguarding the homeland against various missile threats. The President signed an executive order on January 27 to strengthen the defense system, addressing increasing concerns over ballistic, hypersonic, and cruise missile threats. The Pentagon is advancing the proposal as the U.S. Air Force updates its aging intercontinental ballistic missile arsenal.

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar