A US defense project, codenamed “Golden Dome” is reportedly in the works, with the White House willing to invest substantial funds in its development. According to a CNN report, the estimated cost of the system’s construction and operation could be in the billions of US dollars.
Sources familiar with the matter told CNN that the idea is still in its early stages, with the US government having tasked the Pentagon with estimating the cost of developing the system. The project, modeled after Israel’s “Iron Dome” program, aims to create a similar defense system for the United States.
However, some experts are skeptical about the project’s feasibility and strategic value. A defense expert, quoted in the CNN article, questioned the need for a nationwide defense system, stating that it would be impractical to cover the entire US territory with radar and anti-missile systems.
“It’s not just a matter of building it along the border and the coast, because ballistic intercontinental missiles can enter the atmosphere over Kansas” the expert said.
Despite the challenges, the project is moving forward, with the US Department of Defense working with other government agencies and the industry to bring the initiative to life. According to the acting undersecretary of defense for acquisition and sustainment, Steven J. Morani, the department is collaborating with various US agencies, including the Missile Defense Agency, to overcome the engineering and integration hurdles of the project.
In January, President Trump had ordered the development of a modern air defense system, initially referred to as “Iron Dome for America.” The initiative aimed to create a system capable of defending against ballistic missiles, hypersonic weapons and cruise missiles, with the president emphasizing the need for a high-tech defense system due to the increasing complexity and intensity of threats over the past 40 years.