Pentagon Plans 'Golden Dome' Missile Defense System Amid Economic Concerns

The U.S. Department of Defense is working on a new missile defense system called 'Golden Dome,' aimed at protecting the country from long-range missile threats, as directed by President Donald Trump. This initiative appears to be a rebranding of previous missile defense concepts similar to Israel's Iron Dome, but with a focus on developing a space-based system capable of defending against ballistic and hypersonic missiles. While Trump has emphasized that costs will not be a concern, the Pentagon is reportedly seeking budget cuts, leading to concerns about the project's financial viability, which could run into billions of dollars. Experts warn of significant technical and economic challenges, questioning the feasibility of creating a comprehensive defense system that would effectively cover the entire U.S. territory. Additionally, critics argue that such a system could destabilize global security dynamics by prompting adversaries to enhance their missile capabilities. Despite the skepticism, the Pentagon is moving forward with planning and funding considerations for the 2026-2030 budget cycle.