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Over $500 billion for an untouchable America, reality or strategic illusion?
Donald Trump, in his return as a central political figure in the US, has proposed the construction of a "defensive dome" against missiles - a project that has been given the symbolic name "Golden Dome", evoking the image of the Israeli "Iron Dome" defense system, but on a much larger and more ambitious scale.
This system will consist of a network of satellites, radars, ground-based and sea-based interceptors, which will work together to detect, track and destroy ballistic, hypersonic and cruise missiles at every stage of their flight – from launch to impact. It is envisaged that some of the interceptors will be placed in orbit, which will revolutionise the concept of space defence.
Project cost
According to projections presented by Republicans themselves, the initial cost of the project is about $175 billion, with an initial budget of $25 billion included in the new defense bill. But the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) and military industry experts warn that the real cost could exceed $542 billion within the next 20 years.
International reactions
China and Russia have called the plan a “direct threat to the global strategic balance” and a trigger for a new arms race in space. North Korea has gone further, describing the idea as an “open scenario for nuclear war in orbit.”
Trump, in his characteristically provocative manner, has also made an offer to Canada to join the project, asking for a $61 billion contribution, or else, to join the US as the “51st state” and receive free protection from the “Golden Dome.” Ottawa has flatly rejected this proposal, defending its sovereignty and independent foreign policy.
How does the “Golden Dome” work?
The system will work in three layers:
Detection and warning – through an expanded network of satellites located in low and medium orbit.
Tracking and separating targets – using sophisticated radars located on land, in military bases, and at sea (including the US fleet).
Missile destruction – using interceptors with kinetic technology (direct hit) or energy beam (laser), in the early or middle stages of the opposing weapon's flight.
Will it work?
Experts are divided. While the US has the technology, the scale of the project is colossal and the technological challenges are numerous. However, on the campaign trail, the “Golden Dome” project gives Trump a strong patriotic and defensive narrative that could resonate with his electorate.
“Golden Dome” is more than a military project – it is a vision for an armored USA, an Empire that is no longer attacked, but also a dangerous escalation for global balances. If implemented, this would be perhaps the most expensive defense project in human history. The question is not whether it will be built, but whether the world can withstand the consequences of a USA that builds defenses in the sky. /Pamphlet
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