GOLDEN DOME DEFENCE SHIELD
Why in News?
- S. President Donald Trump recently announced the design and leadership for the Golden Dome, a proposed $175 billion multi-layered missile defense system.
- Aimed at intercepting long-range threats from adversarial states like China, Russia, and North Korea.
WHAT IS GOLDEN DOME MISSILE DEFENCE SHIELD?
- The Golden Dome is a proposed U.S. missile defense system aimed at neutralizing enemy missiles, particularly Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles (ICBMs), during the boost phase (immediately after launch).
- Announced during the Trump administration, it is a $175 billion project intended to provide multi-layered protection to the U.S. against missile threats from adversarial states such as China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea.
OBJECTIVES
- Detect and destroy missiles during boost phase using space-based and land-based systems.
- Intercept missiles before they leave the Earth’s atmosphere or shortly after.
- Provide layered defense covering both military and civilian targets (Limited Area Defense).
- Integrate existing and future technologies like lasers, satellites, interceptors, and radar systems.
KEY FEATURES & STRUCTURE
- Space-Based Intercept Layer:
- Hundreds of satellites equipped with advanced sensors and interceptors.
- Aim: Detect and shoot down enemy missiles during boost phase or early space travel.
- Land-Based Midcourse Defense Layer:
- Enhancement of existing Ground-Based Midcourse Defense (GMD) systems in California and Alaska.
- Focus: Interception during the midcourse phase (missile flying in space).
- New Continental U.S. and Pacific Launch Sites:
- Five launch sites (3 in mainland U.S., 1 in Hawaii, 1 in Alaska).
- Target: Intercept missiles still in space.
- Limited Area Defense (LAD):
- Protect population centers from diverse threats (e.g. hypersonic weapons, cruise missiles).
- Incorporates:
- New radars
- “Common” launchers for multiple interceptors
- Systems like Patriot Missiles
COMPARISON: GOLDEN DOME V/S IRON DOME
| Feature | Golden Dome (U.S.) | Iron Dome (Israel) |
| Purpose | Intercept long-range ICBMs, cruise, hypersonic missiles | Intercept short-range rockets and mortars |
| Coverage | Global, multi-layered | City-level, tactical |
| Technology | Satellites, lasers, interceptors | Radar-guided interceptor missiles |
| Status | Proposed, not operational | Operational since 2011 |
| Developers | U.S. Defense Firms (Lockheed, SpaceX, L3Harris, etc.) | Rafael Advanced Defense Systems (with U.S. support) |
IMPLEMENTATION: WHO WILL BUILD IT?
Key Companies Involved:
- SpaceX – Satellite deployment & rocket technology
- Palantir – Software & AI-based threat tracking
- Anduril – Drone and surveillance tech
- L3 Harris, Lockheed Martin, RTX (Raytheon) – Missile systems, sensors, interceptors.
Current Developments:
- L3Harris invested $150 million in satellite sensor manufacturing.
- Pentagon sought industry input for satellite-based boost-phase interception.
CHALLENGES & CRITICISM
- Cost: Estimated at $175 billion, with $25 billion proposed initially—facing Congressional roadblocks.
- Feasibility: Boost-phase interception is technically challenging due to the short time window.
- Legal Issues: May violate international arms treaties (e.g. Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty).
- Uncertainty in Execution: Shift in administration priorities and lack of bipartisan political backing.
SIGNIFICANCE
- Could redefine global missile defense paradigms and trigger arms race in space.
- Raises geopolitical and ethical concerns around militarization of space.
- If successful, sets precedent for future defense tech integration (AI, space tech, lasers).
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