The Golden Dome defense system is a "game-changing project," as described by the U.S. Secretary of Defense and announced by President Donald Trump on Tuesday.

What Is the Golden Dome System?

The United States plans to build a new missile defense system called the Golden Dome, with an estimated cost of $175 billion and expected operational readiness by the end of Trump’s presidency in 2029.

Trump stated from the White House that Canada has expressed interest in joining the system, which aims to provide comprehensive protection for the U.S. against missile threats—including those from space.

The proposed Golden Dome system will integrate ground-based and space-based capabilities, allowing it to detect and intercept missiles at all four stages of an attack:

1. Detection and destruction before launch,

2. Early interception after launch,

3. Mid-air interception during flight,

4. Final interception before reaching the target.

First of Its Kind

In recent months, Pentagon planners have developed multiple options for the project, described by a U.S. official as "medium, high, and ultra-high cost solutions," all featuring space-based interception capabilities.

The Golden Dome system is the first of its kind to incorporate U.S. military weapons in space.

When asked about the possibility of triggering a space arms race, Trump dismissed the concern, saying, "That is not correct."

Why Now?

Notably, the announcement of the Golden Dome came just days after U.S. intelligence warnings about Chinese orbital nuclear missiles capable of striking the U.S. from space.

U.S. Intelligence Warnings About China

For the first time, Washington has raised the possibility of China attacking U.S. territory from low-Earth orbit using new ultra-fast, highly precise missiles.

The U.S. Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) warned that China may possess dozens of orbital missiles within ten years under a system known as Fractional Orbital Bombardment System (FOBS).

These missiles would allow China to strike the U.S. from space significantly faster than conventional missiles, according to Eurasian Times.

The FOBS technology enables missiles to enter a low-Earth orbit before descending to attack their target, potentially passing over the South Pole to avoid early-warning systems and missile defenses, making them highly unpredictable and capable of bypassing existing defenses.

Future Strategic Implications

According to U.S. Defense Intelligence, by 2035, China could have up to 60 orbital missiles, while Russia might possess 12.

This capability could have major strategic consequences, whether used with conventional or nuclear warheads. However, no country has fully developed or deployed such a system yet, meaning the threat remains potential rather than immediate.

Washington’s Response: The Golden Dome

Despite the future nature of this threat, Washington has responded with a defensive deterrence plan—the Golden Dome system—to counter emerging missile risks.