Overview

• President Trump announced the selection of a final design for the 'Golden Dome' missile defense shield, projected to cost $175 billion and become operational by the end of his second term.
• The system will include space-based interceptors and sensors, marking the first deployment of U.S. weapons in space to counter advanced missile threats.
• General Michael Guetlein of the U.S. Space Force has been appointed to oversee the initiative, which is still in its conceptual stage with funding yet to be approved by Congress.
• The Congressional Budget Office estimates the long-term cost of space-based components alone could exceed $542 billion over 20 years, raising concerns about feasibility.
• Russia and China have criticized the plan as destabilizing, warning it could escalate militarization in space, while allies like Canada have expressed interest in participation.