US Golden Dome / Israel's Iron Dome will also outperform the US, Trump is preparing such a Golden Dome

US Golden Dome: US President Donald Trump made an ambitious announcement at the beginning of his second term that the US would develop its own missile defense system on the lines of Israel's Iron Dome, named Golden Dome. The design of this system has been selected, and now information about its structure and features has come to light. This system is not only inspired by Israel's Iron Dome, but it is being made more advanced and comprehensive keeping in mind the vast geographical and strategic requirements of the US.

Structure of Golden Dome

According to a recent report by Reuters, the Golden Dome missile defense system will work in four layers:

Space-based layer: This will be the top part of the system, consisting of satellite-based sensors and tracking systems. These sensors will detect enemy missiles in their initial phase (boost phase).

Ground layers: The three ground layers will include radars, interceptor missiles and potentially laser weapons. These layers will be able to target missiles of different ranges.

Missile batteries: The system will deploy 11 short-range missile batteries, which will be located in different parts of the US, such as Alaska and Hawaii.

Boost phase interception: One of the main goals of Golden Dome is to destroy missiles in their boost phase, when they are slow and on a fixed path. For this, interceptor missiles deployed in space will be used.

Project timeline and cost

The estimated cost of the Golden Dome project is $175 billion, making it one of the most expensive defense projects in the world. However, many details, such as the number of launchers, interceptors, ground stations and missile sites, are still not decided.

Financial provisions: In July, the US Congress allocated $25 billion for the project under Trump's bill. In addition, an additional provision of $45.3 billion has been made in the 2026 budget.

Timeline: President Trump has set an ambitious deadline to complete the system by 2028. The plan to build the complex system was detailed in a presentation titled "Go Fast, Think Big!" shown to 3,000 defense contractors in Alabama last week.

Golden Dome vs. Iron Dome

Israel's Iron Dome is considered the world's most effective missile defense system, destroying short-range rockets and mortars mid-air at ranges of 4 to 70 kilometers. It has a success rate of over 90%, and each interceptor missile costs between $40,000 and $50,000.

• However, Golden Dome will be different and advanced from Iron Dome in several ways:
• Size and scope: The US's geographic area and strategic threats are much broader than Israel's. Therefore, Golden Dome is designed to intercept a variety of missiles, such as hypersonic missiles.
• Space-based technology: Iron Dome relies mainly on ground systems, while Golden Dome will include space-based sensors and interceptors.
• Laser weapons: Golden Dome also has the possibility of laser weapons, which will make it more advanced.

Global impact

The Golden Dome project will not only enhance America's defense capabilities, but can also affect the global strategic balance. Some experts believe that this system can change global nuclear deterrence. However, questions are also being raised about its huge cost and complexity. US Senator Mark Kelly questioned the feasibility of this project and said that its functionality has to be ensured before implementing it.