US missile defence project “Golden Dome” delayed beyond Trump’s term

The Trump administration’s ambitious missile defence initiative, known as the Golden Dome program, which aims to deploy space-based weapons to intercept missile strikes against the United States, is unlikely to be fully operational before the end of President Donald Trump’s term.

Last week in the Oval Office, Trump announced that the US Space Force, under Gen. Michael Guetlein, would oversee the project. The president expressed confidence that Golden Dome would be “fully operational” within three years, before he leaves office, Caliber.Az reports quoting the Guardian.

However, according to two sources familiar with the Pentagon’s plans, the program is scheduled to reach only a demonstration phase by the end of 2028—and even then, only under ideal conditions. The project is being implemented in stages rather than launching as a fully functioning system all at once.

Initially, the Pentagon’s focus will be on integrating data systems and building a military network of satellites and space-based communication platforms to track hundreds of inbound missiles. The space-based weapons capable of destroying missiles are expected to come later.

Within 18 months, the US could establish the foundational network of satellites and communications to track missile threats, but no space-based missile interception capabilities will be operational by that time. Currently, the US relies on around 40 Patriot missile defense batteries stationed in Alaska and California to neutralize intercontinental ballistic missile threats.

By the end of Trump’s term, the Pentagon hopes to integrate space-based sensors and communications with yet untested space-based weapons systems capable of shooting down missiles. This network is expected to rely heavily on technology developed by Elon Musk’s SpaceX, including the “aerial moving target identifier” tracking system, prototypes of which were acquired last year during the Biden administration.

The program’s flagship goal—to intercept ballistic missiles during their “boost phase” within 30 seconds to two minutes of launch by targeting their heat signatures—is still under development. Sources indicate that this technology may take years to mature, as it requires a counter-missile launched from space to survive re-entry and successfully destroy its target.

The Trump administration estimates Golden Dome’s cost at approximately $175 billion over three years, based on Pentagon budget allocations: $17.6 billion in 2026, around $50 billion in 2027, and roughly $100 billion in 2028. Officials have cautioned that the final price could rise depending on the scope of the program’s ambitions.

Discussions were held about involving Canada in the program, potentially contributing satellite and radar data, though the country would not provide direct military hardware.

By Sabina Mammadli