US Golden Dome Project: Aims, Features, and Timeline

The United States is developing a missile defense system, the Golden Dome, drawing inspiration from Israel’s Iron Dome. This system is designed to be more expansive and advanced due to the geographical scale and diverse threats faced by the U.S. The Golden Dome will feature four layers: a space-based sensor and tracking system and three ground-based layers with interceptors, radar, and possibly laser weapons. A key objective is to intercept missiles during the boost phase, using space-based interceptors to rapidly counter incoming threats. The project aims for completion by 2028 and is estimated to cost approximately $175 billion. Congress has already allocated funds, with further allocations planned for the 2026 budget. The Golden Dome, like the Iron Dome, will aim to protect against short-range rockets and mortars. The Iron Dome has a success rate exceeding 90% and is considered one of the most robust defense systems globally.