Trump's 'Golden Dome' Missile Defense System Estimated at $1.2 Trillion

Economy

Trump's 'Golden Dome' Missile Defense System Estimated at $1.2 Trillion

1 hour ago

News sources:

REUTERS

SCMP

BBC

Trump's 'Golden Dome' Missile Defense System Estimated at $1.2 Trillion

Credited from: SCMP

Trump's Golden Dome missile defense system will cost an estimated $1.2 trillion.
The cost is significantly higher than the Pentagon's estimate of $185 billion.
Experts warn the system may be overwhelmed by a full-scale attack from major adversaries.

The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office (CBO) has reported that US President Donald Trump's ambitious "Golden Dome" missile defense shield is projected to cost around $1.2 trillion over the next two decades. This staggering figure contrasts sharply with the Pentagon's estimate of $185 billion, revealing deep discrepancies in forecasting the program's financial needs. The CBO detailed that the acquisition costs alone would exceed $1 trillion, particularly due to the complex space-based components intended for intercepting missile threats, according to Reuters, South China Morning Post, and BBC.

The Golden Dome is designed to defend against aerial threats, including ballistic missiles, and encompasses the entire United States, including Alaska and Hawaii. However, the CBO cautioned that while the system aims to engage threats effectively, it could be easily overwhelmed in an attack by peer adversaries like Russia or China. The report highlights concerns about the system's potential effectiveness, stating it could falter under a robust assault, according to Reuters and BBC.

massive giveaway to defense contractors” that American taxpayers would ultimately finance. CBO’s projections included the need for nearly 7,800 space-based interceptors alongside additional land-based systems to ensure comprehensive coverage, according to South China Morning Post and BBC.