Source: EFE

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Context

The announcement of the Golden Dome missile defence shield by U.S. President Donald Trump marks a potentially revolutionary leap in the militarization of space and the evolution of missile defence systems.

Modeled loosely after Israel’s Iron Dome this $175-billion project with an ambitious deadline of 2029 aims to create a space-integrated, multi-domain defence architecture capable of intercepting hostile missiles including Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles at various phases of their flight.

What is the Golden Dome?

Concept and Components

The Golden Dome is envisioned as a comprehensive missile defence shield that utilizes:

Space-based sensors

Satellite-launched interceptors

Land and sea-based radar and tracking systems

It seeks to provide real-time global missile tracking and interception including neutralizing missiles moments after launch.

Technological Breakthrough

Would be the first operational space-based weapon system transitioning from current satellite-based reconnaissance to offensive-defensive interception capabilities. 

Includes the deployment of thousands of small satellites capable of early detection and interception. 

Inspiration from Israel’s Iron Dome

 Israel’s Iron Dome protects against short-range threats primarily from non-state actors. The Golden Dome targets strategic threats from peer adversaries like Russia and China especially nuclear-capable ICBMs.

Strategic Rationale and Geopolitical Context

Need for Advanced Missile Defence

ICBMs and hypersonic threats from adversaries like Russia and China pose strategic risks.

Existing ground-based systems e.g., THAAD, GMD are insufficient against high-speed, multi-phase threats.

Militarization of Outer Space

Golden Dome would represent the militarization and weaponization of space previously governed by strategic restraint e.g., Outer Space Treaty, 1967.

Raises concerns of an arms race in space with potential countermeasures from adversaries. 

Legacy of the Star Wars Program

Trump invoked Ronald Reagan’s Strategic Defense Initiative from the 1980s popularly called Star Wars.

SDI aimed to deploy space-based missile defences but failed due to technological constraints.

Golden Dome is presented as its modern successor with advancements in miniaturized satellite tech, AI, and space launch capabilities.

Challenges

Feasible in concept, but:

No tested space-based interceptor system exists.

Deployment of thousands of satellites requires massive coordination.

Hypersonic intercept capability in exo-atmosphere remains largely theoretical.

Cost and Timeline Concerns

No operational prototype exists.

Project is currently in conceptual phase only.

Initial Congressional support: $25 billion tied to a contentious defense funding bill. 

Industry Involvement and Controversy

Companies pitching involvement:

SpaceX, Palantir, Anduril (close to Trump).

Traditional defence contractors like Lockheed Martin and Raytheon. 

Procurement transparency, cronyism and conflict of interest concerns raised by Democratic lawmakers. 

Implications for India and the World

For India

May reshape the global missile defence discourse.

Could inspire India to accelerate:

Indigenous systems like Ballistic Missile Defence (BMD) Phase II.

Space defence initiatives such as DRDO’s Project NETRA and ASAT (Mission Shakti).

Raises the possibility of greater Indo-US space security cooperation or pressure to join similar programs. 

For the World

Could trigger a new space arms race.

Erodes norms around peaceful use of outer space.

Forces other countries to explore space-based deterrents or asymmetric strategies (e.g., cyber, EMP). 

Golden Dome vs India’s BMD

Sources:

PHYS.ORG