Trump's Golden Dome push: US president calls on companies to back ambitious missile shield project

US President Donald Trump is urging American companies to participate in an ambitious missile defence shield project called the Golden Dome, despite concerns about its technology, cost, and funding. The multi-layered defence network aims to detect and intercept incoming missiles before they reach the United States. Trump has described the project as a key part of his national security agenda, with the goal of having the system fully operational by the end of his second term.

The scale of the plan is far greater than Israel's Iron Dome, which provides ground-based protection against shorter range rockets and missiles. Golden Dome combines a ground-based system with a network of satellites and interceptors designed to destroy missiles soon after launch. The project will draw on existing missile-defence technologies while pursuing new space-based capabilities.

Lockheed Martin, L3Harris Technologies, and RTX are among the potential major contractors, while SpaceX, Palantir, and Anduril have also been identified as companies with potentially significant roles. The funding for the project remains uncertain, with Republican lawmakers proposing an initial $25 billion allocation within a $150 billion defence package.

However, political obstacles may delay the arrival of the required funds. The system's proposed use of space has raised international concerns, with China and Russia describing Golden Dome as deeply destabilising. The US, China, and Russia are already developing sophisticated military space capabilities. Analysts warn that Golden Dome could contribute to an arms race in space.

Meanwhile, Canada has expressed interest in participating in the project, with Ottawa confirming discussions with Washington about strengthening NORAD and related initiatives.