Trump's Golden Dome: $175bn (£130bn) missile shield sparks debate
Donald Trump has announced an ambitious defence project valued at $175 (£130) billion. This project, named the Golden Dome, aims to protect the United States from missile attacks, even if they are launched from space. The president's proposal is drawing a range of critical opinions.
Donald Trump intends to safeguard the United States from potential threats posed by China, Russia, Iran, North Korea, and other powers. He plans to utilise the latest technologies to intercept ballistic and hypersonic missiles. The $175 (£130) billion project is expected to be completed as early as 2029.
Although ambitious, the plans evoke mixed reactions. Experts claim that executing them within the specified timeframe is almost certainly problematic. Financial challenges may also arise. The Congressional Budget Office estimates that the cost of building the new system could rise to as much as $831 (£614) billion.
My focus is on building the most powerful military of the future. [...] That's something we want, and Ronald Reagan wanted it many years ago, but they didn't have the technology, but it's something we're going to have [...] Israel has it, other places have it, and the United States should have it, too — Donald Trump argued during a speech in Congress.
Critics of the Golden Dome, such as those at "The Daily Beast," warned that it will lead to the transfer of public funds to companies including SpaceX, owned by Elon Musk, a supporter of the current presidential policy. There were also reactions on the international stage.
Russia and China (during a joint leaders' meeting in Moscow) expressed concern. Mao Ning, a spokesperson for the latter country's foreign ministry, stated at a press conference that Donald Trump's proposal will lead to a violation of the principles of peaceful use of outer space and "is destabilising."
Meanwhile, the Canadian organisation Canadian Peace Initiative has voiced concerns that building such an advanced defence system could trigger an arms race and disrupt the balance of power globally.
Trump's Golden Dome: How does it work?
The project may also receive more favourable comments. Experts highlight that the current system based on Patriots is inadequate and outdated, therefore changes are necessary.
The Golden Dome will allow for the interception of missiles launched from various parts of the world and outer space. To ensure adequate security, satellites will be utilised, which will track threats and neutralise them using ground-based missiles.
