Trump unveils $175bn Golden Dome defence system to shield US from foreign threats

US President Donald Trump announced plans for a new advanced missile defence system, dubbed the 'Golden Dome,' aimed at safeguarding the United States against threats of missile attacks from China and Russia.

Speaking at the White House, Trump emphasised that fulfilling his campaign promise of building a cutting-edge missile shield was a top priority. 

Trump revealed that he officially approved the foundational design of the Golden Dome, estimating its total cost at $175 billion. According to him, $25 billion has already been allocated for the project under the new defense budget.

He stressed that the entire system will be manufactured domestically, with US Space Force General Michael Guetlein appointed to lead the initiative.

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Highlighting its ambitious scope, Trump said the Golden Dome will include space-based components such as satellite tracking and orbital missile interceptors. The system is designed to neutralise incoming missiles, even those launched from space, before they reach American soil.

“Every single one will be taken out of the sky,” Trump claimed, asserting that the system will have near-total accuracy in intercepting all types of missiles.

Trump also revealed that Canada has expressed interest in joining the Golden Dome project. He affirmed that the US is ready to support its neighbor’s involvement in the missile defense program.

Meanwhile, the Pentagon confirmed that the Golden Dome is being developed to counter a range of threats, including cruise missiles, ballistic missiles, and hypersonic weapons, whether they are conventional or nuclear.