Trump's 'golden dome' missile shield could be ready before end of 2nd term

THE CUTTING-EDGE SHIELD WOULD BE CAPABLE OF DESTROYING INCOMING MISSILES AT MULTIPLE STAGES OF THEIR FLIGHT AND COULD BE READY IN LESS THAN THREE YEARS, SAYS TRUMP 03:02, 21 May 2025 Donald

Trump has unveiled grand plans for a revolutionary missile defence system, termed the "Golden Dome", aimed at protecting the US from international missile threats, boasting it

could be operational before his potential second term concludes. "In the campaign I promised the American people I would build a cutting-edge missile defence shield," Mr Trump

proclaimed at the White House. "Today I am pleased to announce we have officially selected architecture for this state-of-the-art system." The ambitious $175 billion (£140 billion)

project is slated for completion within three years, the ex-President said. Canada has signalled their interest in participating in this missile defence initiative, Mr Trump also revealed.

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'not telling facts' about cancer diagnosis Should it come to fruition, Golden Dome represents a historic move to weaponise space by America, allowing the annihilation of hostile

missiles during various stages of their flight, as per reports by the Telegraph, reports the Express. General Michael Guetlein, the current vice-chief of space operations, has been confirmed

by Mr Trump as the lead on the Golden Dome’s development. Article continues below Envisioned to merge terrestrial and extraterrestrial technologies, the groundbreaking defensive system

endeavours to detect and obliterate any incoming missiles at all junctures – from initial detection to the interception of airborne menaces or their neutralization as they make their final

approach. For several months, Pentagon researchers have been exploring a variety of potential designs, including what a US official referred to as "medium, high and extra high"

cost options. Space-based interceptors are a crucial component of these plans. The Congressional Budget Office recently projected that the space-based elements alone could rack up costs of

as much as $542 billion over the next two decades. Mr Trump has already earmarked an initial $25 billion for Golden Dome in his proposed tax break legislation currently making its way

through Congress. The urgency of this initiative is fuelled by growing worries about the advanced missile capabilities of China and Russia, which Pentagon officials argue necessitate an

updated and highly capable defence response. Golden Dome's network of satellites and interceptors - which account for most of the system's hefty price tag - is specifically

engineered to counter these sophisticated threats at early or mid-flight stages. Article continues below "The space-based weapons envisioned for Golden Dome represent new and emerging

requirements for missions that have never before been accomplished by military space organisations," Gen Chance Saltzman, head of the US Space Force, said during a hearing on Tuesday.

If successful, the Golden Dome could signify a historic leap forward in US military space capability - and a daring step into a new era of high-tech defence.