Overview

• The Golden Dome initiative aims to establish a space-enabled, multi-layered missile defense shield for the U.S. mainland, modeled after Israel's Iron Dome but significantly scaled up.
• Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping issued a joint statement labeling the plan 'deeply destabilizing' and rejecting its disregard for the balance between offensive and defensive strategic arms.
• The condemnation came during Xi's visit to Moscow, where he and Putin agreed to deepen their strategic partnership on Victory Day, marking the end of World War II.
• U.S. officials warn that adversaries, including Russia and China, are rapidly advancing counterspace and anti-satellite capabilities, heightening the urgency of the Golden Dome proposal.
• The Pentagon has finalized options for the program, which faces questions over its technological feasibility, cost, and its potential to exacerbate great power competition in space.