President Donald Trump has announced a $175 billion plan to construct a new missile defense system called the “Golden Dome,” with operations expected to begin in under three years. The May 20 announcement confirms that the system will include both ground-based and space-based components, with interceptor missiles designed to neutralize threats in the missile’s boost phase—before they can even reach orbit. Trump’s executive order was signed just days after his return to office in January, marking a sharp pivot in U.S. homeland defense strategy.
According to sources, the system may involve 400 to 1,000 tracking satellites and an additional 200 attack satellites, potentially involving companies like SpaceX, Palantir, and Anduril. Defense experts estimate the full cost may exceed $540 billion over 20 years. Canada is currently in talks to join the initiative. As threats from China and Russia grow, the U.S. is moving fast to make national aerial immunity a reality.
