Overview

• Golden Dome is designed to protect the U.S. homeland from ballistic, cruise and hypersonic missiles through a multi-layered network of sensors, AI tools and interceptors.
• President Trump directed the shield to be operational within three years, a deadline driving accelerated procurement and R&D efforts.
• Cost projections vary widely from $175 billion to $900 billion over two decades, according to Pentagon estimates and the Congressional Budget Office.
• Analysts warn that the system’s complexity and potential countermeasures such as decoys and maneuverable warheads could undermine its effectiveness.
• Russia and China have criticized the initiative as destabilizing global security and signaled plans to expand their nuclear arsenals in response.