Overview
- President Trump named Space Force’s Michael Guetlein to lead the design of the ‘Golden Dome’ system, which aims to intercept long-range and hypersonic missiles by 2029.
- The White House has asked Congress for an initial $25 billion as part of a broader $175 billion price tag to develop ground- and space-based components over the next four years.
- Canada’s strategic Arctic radars and airspace are central to the system’s coverage, prompting talks after Trump said Ottawa could avoid a $61 billion participation fee by becoming the 51st US state.
- Beijing, Pyongyang and Moscow have accused the project of threatening global stability by weaponizing space and fueling a new arms race.
- The Pentagon envisions a multilayered shield of satellites, interceptors and sensors to detect, track and destroy incoming missiles at every phase of flight.