‘Golden Dome’,

Context

In May 2025, former US President Donald Trump announced a new $175-billion missile defence initiative called the ‘Golden Dome’, with General Michael Guetlein of the US Space Force leading the program. The system is inspired by Israel’s Iron Dome, but seeks to be far more expansive — deploying space-based interceptors and satellites to counter missile threats, especially ICBMs from adversaries like China and Russia.

Features of the Golden Dome:

Space-Based Interceptors:
- Unlike existing systems, the Golden Dome proposes to deploy space-based weapons, capable of intercepting enemy missiles moments after launch.
- Thousands of small satellites in low Earth orbit (LEO) would form an active, defensive “shield”.
Technological Leap:
- This would mark a major shift from reconnaissance-based space systems to combat-capable orbital platforms.
- The move revives Cold War-era concepts like Star Wars (Strategic Defense Initiative) proposed by Reagan.
Integration Across Domains:
- Designed as a multi-domain system:
Land-based radar & launchers
Sea-based platforms
Space-based detection and interception

Comparison with Israel’s Iron Dome:

Feature	Iron Dome (Israel)	Golden Dome (USA)
Range	Short-range (70 km approx.)	Intercontinental (against ICBMs)
Platform	Ground-based (radar + Tamir interceptors)	Multi-domain (ground + sea + space)
Threat Type	Rockets, artillery shells, drones	ICBMs, hypersonic missiles
Guidance System	Radar-based	Radar + Satellite-based AI tracking
Scale	Suited to a small country like Israel	Meant for global projection and homeland defence