Trump’s ‘Golden Dome’ Defense Plan: Feasible or Futile?

Rapid Summary

• President Donald Trump has proposed the “Golden Dome” missile defense system,aiming to protect the U.S.against standard and nuclear missile threats.
• The system includes space-based interceptors and land-based weapons, designed as a “system of systems” to counter advanced weaponry like hypersonic glide vehicles and cruise missiles.
• Estimated cost is $175 billion over three years, although experts warn actual costs could be much higher; $25 billion from this year’s Defense Department budget has been allocated for its initial phase.
• Skepticism remains about technological feasibility, effectiveness (“very close to 100%” according to Trump), and expansive scope compared to Israel’s Iron Dome.
• Experts argue it could also trigger an arms race with China or Russia; Chinese officials have criticized it as escalating military use of space.

Indian Opinion Analysis

The Golden Dome concept highlights vital debates on balancing national security with global stability. For India, observing developments in this arena may offer valuable insights into missile defense technology-a field useful in regional contexts given rising threats from neighboring adversaries with ballistic capabilities. Though, such projects underscore risks of fueling global tensions if perceived as offensive measures by rival nations. India might also weigh similar cost-benefit considerations when deliberating defense budgets amid finite resources.

India’s broader diplomatic stance prioritizing peaceful conflict resolution aligns better with international calls for reducing nuclear escalation risks-objectives possibly upended if others mimic America’s expansive defense approach. Consequently, monitoring outcomes here could inform India’s strategy towards balancing investment in deterrence while minimizing contributions to regional arms races.Read More