WASHINGTON – Former President Donald Trump has announced a sweeping $175 billion plan to develop the “Golden Dome,” an advanced missile defence shield designed to protect the U.S. from aerial, hypersonic, and space-based threats.
The initiative, a cornerstone of his second-term military strategy, will be led by U.S. Space Force General Michael Guetlein, Trump revealed during a White House press conference Tuesday.
Just seven days into his new administration, Trump directed the Defence Department to expedite plans for the system, which the White House described as critical to countering “the most catastrophic threat” facing the nation.
The Golden Dome—partly inspired by Israel’s Iron Dome but vastly more expansive—would integrate next-generation sensors, interceptors, and space-based technologies across land, sea, and orbit.
The announcement came as Canada signalled its intent to join the project.
Former Defence Minister Bill Blair, during a visit to Washington earlier this year, confirmed Ottawa’s interest, stating that participation aligns with Canada’s “national interest,” particularly in monitoring Arctic threats.
Next-Gen Threats: Hypersonics and Orbital Strikes
Trump emphasised the system’s ability to neutralise emerging dangers, including hypersonic missiles and Fractional Orbital Bombardment Systems (FOBS)—Cold War—era concepts revived by recent advancements in Chinese and Russian arsenals.
“It will intercept threats from anywhere, even the other side of the world or from space,” he declared in the Oval Office.
Critics question the feasibility and cost, but proponents argue the Dome could redefine global deterrence.
As contracts are drafted, all eyes are on Space Force’s timeline—and whether allies like Canada will secure a stake in the high-stakes project.
