Trump's Golden Dome rethinks defense against long-range threats
President Donald Trump, accompanied by U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, announces he has selected the path forward for his Golden Dome missile defense shield, in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, on May 20. File Photo by Chris Kleponis/UPI | License Photo
June 13 (UPI) -- Homeland defense has entered a new era with the proliferation of nuclear-armed intercontinental ballistic missiles and President Donald Trump's Golden Dome proposal aims to invest in protecting the United States against modern threats.
Trump shared some details about the Golden Dome missile defense system last month in the Oval Office, estimating it will cost about $175 billion to bring online during his term in office. Patrycja Bazylczyk, program manager and research associate at the Center for Strategic and International Studies' Missile Defense Project, told UPI it presents an opportunity to take a new approach to defense.
"The Golden Dome opportunity really calls attention to the fact that we need to reorient our missile defense policy away from the sort of traditional threats that we've been forming our missile defense policy on for the past two decades -- and mostly against [intercontinental ballistic missiles," Bazylczyk said.
"We're in an era of great power competition. Our adversaries China and Russia have next-generation weapons that can threaten the U.S. homeland. We need to prime our defenses to defend against these next generation threats."
The past two decades of U.S. missile defense have been focused on potential attacks from rogue nations like North Korea and Iran, Bazylczyk adds. However, the development and use of hypersonic missiles, cruise missiles and unmanned aerial systems showcase how long-range capabilities have advanced.
The concept of the Golden Dome is not a singular system. Instead it is more of a system of systems, Bazylczyk said. Current air defenses such as the ground-based midcourse defense system -- a system of missile interceptors located in Alaska and California -- will remain active. Meanwhile new systems will be brought into effect to detect, deter and stop threats.
What those news systems are is not yet certain, Todd Harrison, defense analyst at American Enterprise Institute, told UPI.
Trump has earmarked $25 billion to start constructing the Golden Dome system and another $4 billion is earmarked for general air and missile defense investments.
"Where it stands right now is the Golden Dome is a concept," Harrison said. "It's an idea for building a missile shield to protect the United States. There are an infinite number of ways you can do that. It depends on what degree of protection you want to provide and how quickly you want to provide it. It can cost whatever you want it to cost."
"That's what we don't know yet from the administration: how big of a system they're envisioning," Harrison continued. "At least publicly they've not picked an architecture."
Trump's legislative agenda bill, the reconciliation bill that is making its way through the U.S. Senate, does not directly reference the Golden Dome by name. It does allocate funding toward air defenses and development meant to bolster homeland defense.
"Congress is guessing what the money should be spent on because they are handing the administration a $25 billion check for Golden Dome as a down payment in advance of the administration actually asking for resources," Harrison said. "This is just Congress saying, 'Hey, we hear you want to build a Golden Dome. Here's some money and here's where we think you'll probably need the money."
A $25 billion "down payment" can put development of the Golden Dome into motion, but Harrison is skeptical that the funding announced will develop something operational.
One aspect that has been discussed in the defense industry prior to Trump's proposal is a space-based interceptor system.
The National Academies of Sciences advised that developing the system would be costly and questions about its effectiveness and vulnerability to countermeasures remained.
Since 2012, space launches have become more common and less costly. The Congressional Budget Office published a new report last month, estimating that launch costs for space-based interceptors could be reduced by 30 to 40% compared to the 2012 report.
According to the latest estimate, a space-based interceptor constellation would cost $161 billion to $542 billion to implement and maintain for 20 years.
President Ronald Reagan proposed such a system in his "Star Wars" Strategic Defense Initiative, though it was never realized.
The United States already has a series of space-based missile sensors in orbit to detect missile launches. A space-based interceptor system would be designed to enable the United States to destroy missiles while they are launching, which is a three to five-minute window.
The current system -- the ground-based midcourse defense system -- is designed to take down intercontinental ballistic missiles when they are cruising through the vacuum of space. Midcourse flight yields a 30 minute window.
Both systems introduce challenges.
Laura Grego, senior scientist and research director for the Union of Concerned Scientists' Global Security Program, told UPI the space-based interceptor system attempts to work around the physics and engineering problem the ground-based midcourse system faces.
The most difficult challenge for a midcourse system reliably distinguishing a nuclear-armed missile from a decoy.
"You can launch many, many decoys and require the defense to figure out which one is the real one or have to shoot them all down," Grego said. "That's the countermeasures problem. No one is demonstrating an adequate technical solution to that."
This is one reason why space-based interceptors capable of targeting missiles as they are launching -- before they can release decoys -- is appealing. However, the small launch window presents another problem. In order to respond to a launching missile in three to five minutes, an interceptor must be in position at that exact time. To make that possible, thousands of interceptors must be in orbit.
"The problem is, because you need a lot of them to have one in place, you can imagine a strategy to launch a few [missiles] at the same time from the same place and that would require your defense to have many, many interceptors, potentially thousands or tens of thousands, in order to counter just maybe 10 launching at a time," Grego said. "That's one reason why it rapidly becomes very expensive. You're sort of trading one hard problem for a different hard problem."
The ultimate goal of the Golden Dome, according to Bazylczyk, is to deter attacks against the United States from ever happening.
"The Golden Dome is aimed at changing the strategic calculus of our adversaries," Bazylczyk said. "It's aiming to convince them that they have doubts that whatever attack they are trying to impose on the United States will succeed."
"Russia and China have been increasing the capabilities of these next generation weapons, including hypersonics and cruise missiles," she added. "All of these unique weapons are designed to outmaneuver our defenses. So of course we are trying to bolster them to respond."
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Newsweek
29 minutes ago
- Newsweek
World Responds to Strikes on Iran's Nuclear Sites
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. After President Donald Trump confirmed that U.S. B-2 bombers hit three of Iran's nuclear complexes on Saturday, pulling America into the Middle Eastern conflict, world leaders across the globe have reacted to the escalation. Late on Saturday night, Trump said the sites were "fully obliterated," calling the raids essential to halt Iran's push for a nuclear bomb. Tehran condemned what it called a "criminal" act and said the U.S. had "launched a dangerous war." In a post shared on the social media platform X, formerly Twitter, the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps, part of Iran's Armed Forces, wrote in Farsi, "Now the war has begun for us." Why It Matters After Saturday's development, concern over an international expansion on the Israel-Iran conflict has ramped up. The strikes follow weeks of rising tensions between Iran and Israel, after an Israeli attack earlier this month on Iranian nuclear and military sites. While the U.S. had previously held back, its direct involvement marks a new phase in the conflict. President Donald Trump speaks from the East Room of the White House in Washington D.C. on June 21, 2025. President Donald Trump speaks from the East Room of the White House in Washington D.C. on June 21, 2025. Carlos Barria/Pool via AP What To Know Houthi rebels in Yemen and Hamas have condemned the U.S. strikes, vowing to support Iran in its fight against "the Zionist and American aggression." The Iraqi government, which has close relations with both Washington and Tehran, condemned the strikes, saying the military development threatened peace and security in the Middle East. "The continuation of such attacks risks dangerous escalation with consequences that extend beyond the borders of any single state, threatening the security of the entire region and the world," government spokesman Bassem al-Awadi said in a statement. While it did not condemn the move, Saudi Arabia expressed "deep concern" about the U.S. attacks. "The Kingdom underscores the need to exert all possible efforts to exercise restraint, de-escalate tensions, and avoid further escalation," the kingdom's Foreign Ministry said in a statement. Qatar also refraining from condemning the attacks, but said it "regrets" escalating tensions in the Israel-Iran war. Doha's Foreign Ministry urged the countries involved to "avoid escalation, which the peoples of the region, burdened by conflicts and their tragic humanitarian repercussions, cannot tolerate." Condemning the airstrikes, Oman said they threatened "to expand the scope of the conflict and constitute a serious violation of international law and the United Nations charter." Lebanese President Joseph Aoun said the U.S. bombing could lead to a regional conflict that no country could bear and called for negotiations. "Lebanon, its leadership, parties, and people, are aware today, more than ever before, that it has paid a heavy price for the wars that erupted on its land and in the region," Aoun said in a statement on X. "It is unwilling to pay more, and there is no national interest in doing so, especially since the cost of these wars was and will be greater than its ability to bear." Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said Iran's nuclear facilities "represented a danger for the entire area," adding he would speak with the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency, Rafael Mariano Grossi, on Sunday, "to understand the consequences that there may be from a security point of view." British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer called for Iran to return to the negotiating table to diplomatically end the crisis—the U.K., along with the European Union, France and Germany, tried unsuccessfully to find a solution in Switzerland last week with Iran. Winston Peters, New Zealand's foreign minister, also called for peace talks, saying the crisis is "the most serious I've ever dealt with." South Korea's presidential office held an emergency meeting on Sunday to discuss the economic and political impacts of the strikes, while Japan's Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba told reporters Sunday it was crucial to calm the situation as soon as possible. Australia's government, which closed its embassy in Tehran and evacuated staff on Friday, said in a statement: "We have been clear that Iran's nuclear and ballistic missile program has been a threat to international peace and security. We note the U.S. President's statement that now is the time for peace." What People Are Saying European Union Foreign Policy Chief Kaja Kallas said in a post on social media: "I urge all sides to step back, return to the negotiating table and prevent further escalation." U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres, wrote on X: "I am gravely alarmed by the use of force by the United States against Iran today. This is a dangerous escalation in a region already on the edge—and a direct threat to international peace and security. There is a growing risk that this conflict could rapidly get out of control—with catastrophic consequences for civilians, the region, and the world. I call on member states to de-escalate." Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi wrote on X: "Last week, we were in negotiations with the U.S. when Israel decided to blow up that diplomacy. This week, we held talks with the E3/EU when the | decided to blow up that diplomacy. What conclusion would you draw?" The E3 refers to member states Germany, France and Italy. What Happens Next While a number of leaders have called for Iran to return to the negotiating table, the country's foreign minister has suggested it is unlikely that it will. "To Britain and the EU High Rep, it is Iran which must 'return' to the table. But how can Iran return to something it never left, let alone blew up?" Abbas Araghchi wrote in a post on X. This story contains reporting from The Associated Press.
Newsweek
33 minutes ago
- Newsweek
Arab World Reacts to U.S. Strikes on Iran
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Arab countries, staunch U.S. allies among them, expressed strong concern over the U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear sites as the United States joined Israel in attacking them. Newsweek contacted the U.S. State Department for comment. Why It Matters The reaction of Arab states matters for relations with the United States and for the wider question of diplomacy in the Middle East at the time of its greatest upheaval in decades. While Arab countries may seek to distance themselves from the attacks, however, this does not mean they would want to rupture the important security relationships that many of them have with the United States and President Donald Trump. What To Know Saudi Arabia, which was the first foreign destination for Trump in his second presidency, was among the first to criticize the U.S. strikes on three nuclear sites. Saudi Arabia said it was following the developments with deep concern and reiterated the denunciation it had made over what it had called Israel's violation of Iran's sovereignty. The sun sets near a mosque in Doha on June 21, 2025. The sun sets near a mosque in Doha on June 21, 2025. Photo by KARIM JAAFAR/AFP via Getty Images "The Kingdom underscores the need to exert all possible efforts to exercise restraint, de-escalate tensions, and avoid further escalation," the Saudi foreign ministry said. "The Kingdom also calls on the international community to intensify its efforts during this highly sensitive period to reach a political solution that would bring an end to the crisis and open a new chapter for achieving security and stability in the region." Saudi Arabia is one of the most influential countries in the region as the world's top oil exporter and is home to the holiest Muslim sites. Predominantly Sunni Muslim Saudi Arabia, which was long at odds with largely Shiite Iran, has been seen as a potential candidate to join Trump's Abraham Accords peace deals between some Muslim countries and Israel, but this has been thrown into doubt by the current conflicts. "The current dangerous tension in the region could lead to catastrophic consequences at both the regional and international levels," said the foreign ministry of Qatar, which is home to the biggest U.S. air base in the Middle East and has played an important role in trying to broker a ceasefire and hostage for prisoner exchanges between Israel and Hamas. Statement | Qatar Regrets the Deterioration of the Situation with the Strikes on Iranian Nuclear Facilities#MOFAQatar — Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Qatar (@MofaQatar_EN) June 22, 2025 "Diplomacy and Dialogue" The United Arab Emirates, whose leaders are also close to Trump, expressed profound concern over the regional tensions and the targeting of Iranian nuclear facilities. "The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) stressed the importance of prioritizing diplomacy and dialogue to resolve disputes, through comprehensive approaches that promote stability, prosperity, and justice," its foreign ministry said. Egypt, the Middle East's most populous country and a major recipient of U.S. military aid, expressed grave concern over the attacks. "Egypt affirms its rejection of any violation of the United Nations Charter and international law and emphasizes the necessity of respecting state sovereignty," its foreign ministry said. Other countries voicing similar sentiments included Iraq, Oman and Lebanon. What People Are Saying Saudi Foreign Ministry: "The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is following with deep concern the developments in the Islamic Republic of Iran, particularly the targeting of Iranian nuclear facilities by the United States of America." UAE Foreign Ministry: "The Ministry urged the United Nations and the UN Security Council to uphold their responsibilities through serious efforts to address the region's long-standing issues, which now stand at a critical juncture and pose an increasing threat to regional and international peace and security." Egyptian Foreign Ministry: "Egypt reiterates its warning of the dangers of the region sliding into further chaos and tension. It affirms that political solutions and diplomatic negotiations, not military action, are the only path toward resolving the crisis and achieving a lasting settlement." U.S. President Donald Trump: "Iran's key nuclear enrichment facilities have been completely and totally obliterated. Iran, the bully of the Middle East, must now make peace." What Happens Next Despite their criticism of the U.S. attacks, the reactions from Arab countries could also be seen as limited in their responses — distancing themselves from attacks that could draw Iranian responses and prioritising dialogue and diplomacy rather than calling for any more direct action against the United States.
Newsweek
37 minutes ago
- Newsweek
Exclusive: Hezbollah Says It Won't Join Fight After US Attacks Iran
"Iran is a strong country capable of defending itself, logic dictates that it can confront America and Israel," a Hezbollah spokesperson said in a message to Newsweek late Saturday. "Hezbollah remains committed to all matters agreed upon since the ceasefire." Hezbollah signed a ceasefire with Israel last November, just over a year after the Palestinian Hamas movement launched a surprise attack against Israel, sparking a regional conflict that drew in the Iran-led Axis of Resistance coalition. Israel and Hezbollah have since continued to accuse one another of violating the truce. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) carried out strikes in recent days against the group's leadership, special forces and military infrastructure in Lebanon, citing "intelligence indicating Hezbollah's attempts to rebuild its capabilities." "Despite the attacks carried out by the Israeli enemy," the Hezbollah spokesperson added, "the party has remained committed to the agreement." Hezbollah had previously indicated to Newsweek that the group would not intervene directly in support of Tehran after Israel launched a sweeping series of strikes against Iran last week, setting off daily exchanges of fire between the longtime foes. Yet Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz warned Friday that Hezbollah Secretary-General Naim Qassem "hasn't learned from his predecessors and is threatening to act against Israel." He urged that "the Lebanese proxy be careful and understand that Israel has lost patience with the terrorists who threaten it." The Hezbollah spokesperson with whom Newsweek spoke the following day emphasized that Qassem, who assumed the helm after Israel killed longtime leader Hassan Nasrallah last September, has "supported" Iran through his statements, and that future actions may affect the group's calculus. "Therefore, the issue remains subject to developments," the Hezbollah spokesperson said. "However, Iran certainly has its own military capabilities." Trump first announced via Truth Social late Saturday, early Sunday local time in Iran, that the U.S. had completed a "very successful attack on the three Nuclear sites in Iran, including Fordow, Natanz, and Esfahan." The strikes came after more than a week of speculation of forthcoming U.S. military intervention, fueled by aircraft movements, the evacuation of nonessential staff and U.S. citizens in the region as well as Trump's own threats to the Islamic Republic and its leadership, including Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The Fordow Fuel Enrichment Plant had particularly been in focus given that current and former Israeli officials had long assessed only the U.S. military's Massive Ordnance Penetrator (MOP) "bunker buster" bombs would be capable of destroying the heavily fortified underground facility located beneath a mountain around 20 miles from the city of Qom. Addressing the nation from the East Room late Saturday, Trump said that "Iran's key nuclear enrichment facilities have been completely and totally obliterated." He indicated that he was not immediately planning to pursue further military action against Iran but threatened to do so "if peace does not come quickly." Iran has always denied seeking a nuclear weapon, but the country has substantially ramped up uranium enrichment since Trump abandoned a multilateral nuclear agreement with Iran and major powers during his first administration in 2018. Since Trump assumed office again in January, Tehran and Washington have engaged in five rounds of talks toward securing a new agreement through which Iran's nuclear program would be subject to restriction in exchange for sanctions relief. A sixth round of negotiations had been scheduled for last Sunday, but was canceled after Israel launched its unprecedented series of attacks against Iran, killing senior commanders and nuclear scientists as well as targeting military sites and nuclear facilities. Shortly after the Israeli campaign began, Israeli officials alleged that Iran had obtained enough nuclear material to produce 15 nuclear bombs. Iran has responded to Israeli attacks by launching hundreds of missiles and drones against Israel over the past week. Iranian officials had warned that U.S. bases in the region could be subject to retaliatory action as well if the U.S. became directly involved in the conflict. Other Axis of Resistance groups in the Middle East, including Iraq's Kataib Hezbollah and Yemen's Ansar Allah, also known as the Houthi movement, have also warned of potential attacks against U.S. positions in the region in the event of a U.S. strike against Iran. About an hour after Trump announced the U.S. operation against Iran on social media, the IDF issued a heightened state of alert for Israel, restricting the public from engaging in all but "Essential Activity." Iran later conducted a new around of missile strikes against Israel, followed by an IDF report of Israeli strikes being conducted in western Iran. Reached for comment, the Iranian Mission to the United Nations shared with Newsweek a social media statement alongside a letter in which Iranian Permanent Representative to the U.N. Amir Saeid Iravani expressed to U.N. leadership his condemnation of what he called "unprovoked and premeditated acts of aggression" by the U.S. and urged the U.N. Security Council to take action. "The United States and the bloodthirsty Zionist Regime of Israel shall be held fully accountable for these flagrant violations of international law and must face the grave consequences thereof," the Iranian Mission said.
