President Trump claims his space-based Golden Dome missile defense system could be operational within three years, but defense experts say that timeline is unrealistic. The $175 billion project aims to shield the U.S. from airborne threats using hundreds of satellites and interceptors—technology that has yet to be fully developed.
Melanie Marlowe of the Center for Strategic and International Studies called Trump’s timeline “lofty,” warning that space-based interceptors are years away and extremely expensive. The Congressional Budget Office estimates the total cost may exceed $500 billion over 20 years.
While $25 billion in seed funding is included in the GOP’s House-passed budget bill, long-term funding remains uncertain. China has condemned the plan, warning it could destabilize global security.
Further complications include spectrum auctions to fund the project, which could strip the Pentagon of critical radar frequencies. Defense officials say without access to those frequencies, Golden Dome is unworkable.
Experts urge bipartisan support to keep the system viable beyond the next election cycle.
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