President Donald Trump announced the selection of a design for the $175 billion Golden Dome Missile Defense shield, a satellite network aimed at detecting, tracking, and intercepting incoming missiles from China and Russia.
The program, initiated in January, will be led by US Space Force General Michael Guetlein.
Trump told a White House press conference that Golden Dome will “protect our homeland,” adding that Canada had expressed interest in joining the initiative.
In a statement, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney’s office said they’re discussing a new security and economic relationship with the US, including strengthening NORAD and initiatives like Golden Dome.
States that benefit are Alaska, Florida, Georgia, and Indiana will benefit from the program as Many early systems are expected to come from existing production lines.
The defense shield, estimated to cost $175 billion, aims to be operational by January 2029, but industry experts are uncertain about the timeframe and cost.
Trump mentioned Ronald Reagan’s proposed space-based missile defense system, popularly called Star Wars, saying, “Ronald Reagan wanted it many years ago, but they didn’t have the technology.”
This month, the Congressional Budget Office estimated that Golden Dome could cost as much as $831 billion over two decades.
Democratic lawmakers have voiced concern about the procurement process and involvement of Trump ally Elon Musk’s SpaceX, which has emerged as a frontrunner alongside Palantir and Anduril to build key components of the system.
Golden Dome’s funding remains uncertain. Republican lawmakers have proposed a $25-billion initial investment for Golden Dome as part of a broader $150-billion defense package, but this funding is tied to a contentious reconciliation bill that faces significant hurdles in Congress.
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