Golden Dome’ US Missile Defence Plan

Why in News? US President Donald Trump’s plan for a nationwide missile defense system — dubbed “Golden Dome” — faces significant technical and political challenges, and it could cost far more than he has estimated to achieve its goals.

Relevance : UPSC Pre & Mains

Prelims :  Golden Dome

Mains :  GS 2/ 3

 About the Golden Dome:

It is a proposed missile defense system conceptualized by former U.S. President Donald Trump. It aims to provide a comprehensive, nationwide shield against various missile threats, including ICBMs (Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles), hypersonic weapons, cruise missiles, and drones. The system represents an ambitious step towards fortifying the United States’ national security and deterrence capabilities.

Key Features

• To defend against a broad spectrum of missile threats, ensuring national security in an era of advanced weapons development by adversaries.
• Designed as a multi-layered defense system covering the entire U.S. territory.
• Proposed to be operational within three years of its announcement.
• Integrates advanced sensors, tracking systems, and interceptor missiles.
• Focus on countering hypersonic weapons, which pose challenges due to their speed and maneuverability.
• Initial funding of $25 billion, with a total estimated cost of $175 billion.

 Challenges:

Technical:

1. • Developing interceptors capable of neutralizing hypersonic missiles.
   • Integration of various systems into a unified, efficient network.

Industrial:

1. • The U.S. defense industrial base needs revitalization to meet the demands of such a large-scale project.

Political:

1. • Requires consensus between the White House and Congress to secure funding and support.

Cost:

1. • Concerns over whether the proposed budget is sufficient and sustainable.

Strategic Implications:

National Security:

1. • Strengthens U.S. capabilities to deter and defend against evolving missile threats.

Geopolitical Impact:

1. • Could alter the global balance of power by enhancing U.S. military superiority.
   • Likely to provoke rival nations into developing advanced countermeasures.

Arms Race:

1. • Potential to escalate an arms race in missile and defense technologies globally.