Overview
- President Trump announced detailed plans for the 'Golden Dome,' a nationwide missile defense system modeled on Israel's Iron Dome but designed to counter advanced threats, including hypersonic missiles and space-based attacks.
- The project is projected to cost $175 billion, with $25 billion in initial funding included in a contested $150 billion defense budget currently under debate in Congress.
- The system would integrate space-based interceptors and hundreds of satellites for missile detection, marking a significant expansion of US defense capabilities.
- Canada has expressed interest in participating, though no formal agreements have been reached, and questions remain about the project's international collaboration potential.
- Democratic lawmakers have raised concerns about the procurement process, particularly the potential involvement of companies like SpaceX, Palantir, and Anduril, citing transparency and conflict of interest issues.