President Donald Trump has announced the "Golden Dome," a US$175 billion missile defense system designed to shield the United States from advanced threats, including ballistic and hypersonic missiles. Led by Space Force General Michael Guetlein, the project seeks to integrate space-based sensors and interceptors with terrestrial and maritime platforms.
According to ABC News, President Trump was inspired by Israel's Iron Dome and late US President Ronald Reagan's Strategic Defense Initiative, dubbed “Star Wars.” The Golden Dome aims to be operational by 2029, however, experts express concerns over its feasibility, citing the immense scale and potential costs exceeding initial estimates. Critics also warn of the risks associated with space weaponization and the challenges of coordinating among various defense agencies.
The initiative underscores a renewed focus on space as a strategic domain, reflecting growing tensions with nations like China and Russia. As the US embarks on this ambitious endeavor, questions remain about its practicality and the implications for global security dynamics.
But are we really entering a new age of "Star Wars" where conflict in space is no longer science fiction? Click on to launch this gallery that explains more about America's celestial struggle with Russia and other countries, and how new technologies play a role in it.