Overview

• President Trump officially announced the 'Golden Dome' missile defense system, projecting $175 billion in costs and full operational capability by 2029.
• The Congressional Budget Office estimates a significantly higher cost of $542 billion and a timeline of at least two decades to deploy key space-based components.
• Experts highlight that critical technologies, such as space-based interceptors and hypersonic tracking systems, remain unproven and may not be deployable within the proposed timeline.
• China has criticized the initiative, warning it could militarize space and intensify a global arms race, while Canada is considering limited participation but has yet to commit financially.
• The plan draws comparisons to Reagan’s 'Star Wars' initiative, with analysts cautioning that the project could face similar technological and geopolitical challenges.