Overview

• President Trump unveiled Golden Dome as a network of satellites and interceptors modeled on Israel’s Iron Dome to defend against missiles launched from anywhere, including space.
• Congress is reviewing the administration’s $25 billion initial budget request to launch the three-year development phase, with the Pentagon putting the overall price tag at $175 billion.
• North Korea condemned the proposal as a dangerous militarization of space, while China and Russia warn it could upset the global strategic balance and spark an arms race.
• Canada, whose Arctic radar coverage is essential for the shield, is holding high-level talks on participation but has declined the president’s offer to become the 51st US state.
• The Congressional Budget Office cautions that technical scale and logistical hurdles could drive expenses well beyond current estimates.