The Pentagon is anticipated to present plans for a “Golden Dome” to President Trump this week, a proposed missile defense system designed to counteract nuclear weapons, missiles, and drones perceived as threats to the United States. This development follows a recent scientific study that deemed the scheme scientifically unfeasible.
The concept of creating a missile defense system has been pursued by the United States since before Ronald Reagan’s presidency, with Reagan advocating for space-based satellites using lasers to intercept Soviet nuclear weapons. However, the resulting systems have been described as less ambitious and largely ineffective, though they have been financially lucrative for defense contractors.
The American Physical Society Panel on Public Affairs released a study highlighting how past U.S. defense projects driven by political pressures have often been costly and ultimately abandoned due to technical challenges. Under President Trump’s administration, a similar initiative is underway following an executive order issued on January 27. This order directs the Pentagon to create a plan, referred to as an “Iron Dome for America” or “Golden Dome,” aimed at protecting the homeland from various next-generation aerial attacks.
The Golden Dome project aims to intercept missiles before they cause harm. Jonathan Moneymaker, CEO of BlueHalo, emphasized that it should not be viewed solely as a missile defense system but rather as part of a broader mission. Moneymaker acknowledged the challenges involved, noting the difference in scale compared to Israel’s Iron Dome, which operates over a much smaller territory.
The complexity of implementing a comprehensive Golden Dome system involves several challenges, as detailed in the recent missile defense study. These include creating defenses that can identify, track, and neutralize high-speed threats such as nuclear weapons. The study underscores the difficulty of intercepting missiles in their boost phase due to geographical and political constraints, as well as the significant number of space-based weapons required for an effective defense.
In terms of technological feasibility, the study concluded that laser-based weapons and other systems capable of intercepting missiles mid-course or in their terminal phases currently face significant limitations. The study findings suggest that despite significant investments—over $400 billion since 1983—an effective national missile defense system capable of thwarting determined attacks remains unattainable.
Moneymaker remains optimistic, citing previous national missions that have united resources and expertise effectively. He views the Golden Dome as an opportunity for innovative defense companies and envisions it as a network of protective systems rather than a single unitary structure. He anticipates incremental progress, with initial protections focused on high-value targets before expanding to broader coverage.
In Washington, discussions have emerged regarding the potential establishment of a new department dedicated to the Golden Dome’s development. Companies like Booz Allen Hamilton are exploring concepts such as AI-connected drone swarms for missile interception. The Pentagon has received more than 360 proposals related to the initiative. However, skepticism persists, with concerns about economic priorities potentially overshadowing scientific considerations in policy decisions.
