President of the United States (U.S.) Donald Trump announced two days ago at the White House the beginning of construction of a massive missile defense shield called the “Golden Dome,” which, as he said, “will protect U.S. skies and the space above it from all types of threats – from land, sea, and space.”
The project, according to announcements, is based on the concept of the Israeli “Iron Dome” system but will use more advanced, still insufficiently tested technologies. Trump described the “Golden Dome” as a “system of systems” that will integrate defense from land, sea, and space.
Trump stated that the entire project will cost around 175 billion dollars, and the work begins immediately, with an initial investment of 25 billion dollars already included in the new tax bill which he calls “a big and beautiful piece of legislation.”
“Today I can proudly announce that we have chosen the architecture for a top-tier system that will use the most advanced technologies on land, sea, and in space, including space sensors and interceptors,” said Trump two days ago in an address to journalists from the Oval Office.
He added that the system “will be fully operational by the end of my term,” estimating that the largest part of the project will be completed within two and a half to three years.
Alaska is a key point
Trump emphasized that several federal states will play key roles in the realization of the project, including Georgia, Florida, Indiana, and especially Alaska.
“Alaska is a huge part of this because its location is perfect. In some cases, it’s your first line of defense,” said the president, highlighting the strategic significance of that U.S. state.
“There is no real system – it’s time to create one”
Responding to a question on whether the U.S. military had asked for such a system, given that NORAD claims current defense capabilities are “adequate,” Trump said:
“In fact, we don’t currently have a real system. We have certain zones and missiles, and partial missile defense capabilities, but there is no unified system. That’s why we’re creating it now.”
Asked whose idea the “Golden Dome” was – his or that of military commanders – Trump replied: “To be honest, I proposed it, and everyone said: ‘We like that idea, sir.'”
General Michael Guetlein leads the project
General Michael A. Guetlein, deputy chief of operations of the U.S. Space Force, has been appointed to lead the project, which was officially confirmed two days ago.
“Today is a great day for our nation. Our adversaries are becoming more capable and more determined to threaten our homeland. We must respond just as decisively,” said Guetlein during the presentation.
Everything will be produced in the U.S.
Trump emphasized that “every part” of the system will be produced exclusively in the U.S.
“We will not import anything. Everything – absolutely everything – from chips to space sensors – will be made here in the U.S. It will be U.S. technology, U.S. workers, U.S. factories,” said Trump.
Possible participation of Canada
During the address, the president revealed that Canadian authorities had already reached out expressing a desire to be part of the project.
“They called us from Canada and said they want to be included. Of course, we’ll help them as much as we can, as always. It makes sense for them to be a part of it – but, of course, they will pay their fair share,” said Trump.
Trump reminded that even former president Ronald Reagan wanted a similar defense system, but at that time “the technology simply didn’t exist.”
“Now we have the technology. We have the will. We have the means. And we have an urgent need. This is, without exaggeration, a matter of survival for our country,” Trump stated.
“Golden Dome”: the U.S. response to global threats
Trump emphasized that the “Golden Dome” will represent a “system of systems” – a network that combines traditional defense measures with the latest, still experimental technologies.
“Once it’s built, the Golden Dome will be able to intercept missiles no matter where they come from – even if they are launched from the other side of the world or from space,” stated the president.
According to him, the project carries both symbolic and strategic weight: “In this evil and unpredictable world, we must have the strongest possible shield. The Golden Dome will be that.”, Klix.ba writes.
