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New York Post
22-05-2025
- Business
- New York Post
Trump's ‘Golden Dome' missile defense is costly, ambitious — and necessary
President Donald Trump this week took important steps to advance his 'Golden Dome' missile-defense system — and not a moment too soon. For years, administrations of both parties have failed to devote sufficient resources to missile defense, even as China and Russia have sprinted to develop new ways to threaten the American homeland. Our margin of safety has badly eroded in the face of these adversaries' 'ballistic, hypersonic, and cruise missiles capable of striking the homeland with either conventional or nuclear warheads,' as Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said Tuesday. Advertisement A new Defense Intelligence Agency assessment this month pointed in particular to Beijing's and Moscow's aggressive efforts to field new hypersonic glide vehicles, 'engineered to complicate US defenses in the event of a conflict.' Trump, who heralded the project in an Oval Office press conference Tuesday, promised it would cost about $175 billion and would be 'fully operational' by the end of his term in January 2029. Advertisement It's likely to be more expensive than that — and take much longer to field — but the president's vision for better homeland missile defense is a laudable and necessary effort. The massive undertaking aims to build on America's modest existing homeland ballistic missile defenses with a modernized and greatly expanded architecture to detect, track and engage inbound cruise, ballistic and hypersonic missile threats. In his January executive order, Trump directed that the system include space-based sensors and interceptors and the capability to defeat missile attacks before launch, as well as in their boost and terminal phases. This week he named Gen. Michael Guetlein, currently vice chief of space operations for the US Space Force, to lead the 'Golden Dome' effort. Advertisement That's a smart decision: Gutlein has significant experience in acquiring space and missile-defense capabilities and has served in key positions at the National Reconnaissance Office and the Missile Defense Agency. Trump also signaled that Canada could partner in the effort — news that Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney confirmed Wednesday. That's smart, too. Canada already plays a vital role in the North American Aerospace Defense Command, and dozens of radars in Canada help provide Americans early warning of incoming missiles. The 'big, beautiful' budget reconciliation bill that passed the House early Thursday morning includes $25 billion in 'Golden Dome' funding — but that would be just a down payment. Advertisement Trump's Tuesday statement was aspirational. 'The Golden Dome will be capable of intercepting missiles even if they are launched from other sides of the world, and even if they're launched from space,' he promised. But while the effort is vital to Americans' security, neither Trump's three-year timeline nor his $175 billion cost estimate is at all realistic. To be sure, some initial, valuable capabilities can be fielded in that time frame — but 'Golden Dome' has both a short-term and a long-term component, and 'full operational' capability by 2029 for the system Trump described Tuesday is not going to happen. Consider the cost just to deploy and operate a constellation of space-based interceptors over the next 20 years. The Congressional Budget Office estimated this month that the lowest-cost version of such a system would ring in at $161 billion — and the priciest alternative would cost at least $542 billion. And SBIs will be an important part of 'Golden Dome' — but only one part. Advertisement Innovative efforts, including dirigibles and unmanned aircraft, could mitigate the significant costs of the large network, but the overall cost of 'Golden Dome' will far surpass $175 billion. Hegseth said Tuesday that the Defense Department is working to develop a complete funding plan and will do so before the budget for fiscal year 2026 is finalized. That is important: If past is prologue, the failure to provide sufficient funding will guarantee that 'Golden Dome' falls short. Unfortunately, the base defense budget that Trump requested for next fiscal year is the same as the current year's amount — and does not even keep up with inflation. Advertisement The result, in effect, is a declining defense budget even as threats to the United States grow. President Trump won't be able to achieve a 'peace through strength' foreign policy, or a successful 'Golden Dome,' on a Biden defense budget. As Trump's Tuesday display made clear, his 'Golden Dome' vision is a major defense priority for this administration. Advertisement The focus on homeland missile defense is long overdue. Now we need a detailed plan that can be accomplished at the speed of relevance — and at a cost Americans will support. Bradley Bowman and Rear Adm. (Ret.) Mark Montgomery are senior directors at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, where they lead the Air and Missile Defense Program. .
Time of India
21-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Meet the General leading the US's most expensive defense project yet — the $1 trillion Trump ‘Golden Dome'
President Trump has revealed the Golden Dome missile defense initiative, a $175 billion project to establish America's first space-based defense shield. General Michael Guetlein, a space operations veteran, will lead the project, integrating space and ground technologies to intercept missile threats at all stages. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads General Michael Guetlein: Architect of America's Space Shield What Is the 'Golden Dome' Missile Defense System? Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads What Will the Golden Dome Cost? US President Donald Trump has unveiled fresh details about the ambitious Golden Dome missile defense initiative — a $175 billion project aimed at placing America's first space-based defense shield into orbit. This groundbreaking system will integrate ground and space technologies to intercept missile threats at every stage of flight, marking a historic leap in U.S. military defense the helm of this project is General Michael Guetlein, a veteran leader in space operations, personally appointed by Trump to oversee its development. General Michael Anthony Guetlein brings more than 30 years of expertise in space and missile defense to the Golden Dome initiative. He currently serves as the Vice Chief of Space Operations in the U.S. Space Force. Previously, he commanded Space Systems Command (2021–2024) and served as Deputy Director of the National Reconnaissance Office (2019–2021).Born in Oklahoma on November 22, 1967, Guetlein joined the U.S. Air Force after graduating from Oklahoma State University in 1991. His decorated military career includes top honors such as the Defense Distinguished Service Medal, Air Force Distinguished Service Medal, Defense Superior Service Medal, and two Legion of Merit awards — highlighting his leadership in advancing U.S. military and space Golden Dome will combine space-based interceptors and satellite sensors with existing ground-based missile defense systems. The goal: to detect and neutralize threats before launch or intercept them mid-air, providing a multi-layered shield against airborne and space-launched the project President Trump earlier said, 'This is not just a defense shield, but a powerful deterrent to any aggressor contemplating an attack on the United States — even from space.'President Trump emphasized that Golden Dome represents the future of national security — a game-changer in missile defense. Unlike traditional systems focused on ground-level interception, this next-gen initiative will offer comprehensive protection through an integrated network of space and terrestrial defense Guetlein echoed the urgency, calling it a 'bold and aggressive strategy' to strengthen homeland defense in the face of rapidly evolving missile and space initial research and development phase is expected to cost between $25 billion and $35 billion. However, full-scale deployment over the next two decades could bring total costs close to $1 trillion, making it one of the most expensive defense projects in U.S. history. Yet, military experts argue that it is a vital investment to protect the nation against emerging threats from both rival states and rogue actors.
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Trump estimates Golden Dome will cost $175B over three years
In an Oval Office reveal Tuesday, flanked by U.S. military generals and Republican senators, President Donald Trump offered new details about his ambitious Golden Dome missile shield project, which he expects to have a price tag of around $175 billion and be completed before the end of his term. 'I'm pleased to announce that we have officially selected an architecture for this state-of-the-art system that will deploy next-generation technologies across the land, sea and space, including space-based sensors and interceptors,' Trump said. 'Once fully constructed, the Golden Dome will be capable of intercepting missiles even if they are launched from other sides of the world, and even if they're launched from space. And we will have the best system ever built.' Trump also announced he has appointed Gen. Michael Guetlein, the Space Force's second in command, to oversee the effort, which has become one of the president's signature defense projects just months into his second term. Guetlein, currently vice chief of space operations, previously led the Space Force's primary acquisition organization, Space Systems Command. There, he oversaw major development efforts and helped streamline the space enterprise's notoriously fragmented acquisition system. Earlier in his career, he served as deputy commander of the National Reconnaissance Office and program executive officer for programs and integration at the Missile Defense Agency — two of the organizations that will play a significant role in building out the Golden Dome architecture. 'I greatly appreciate your trust in me … and your trust in the team to deliver this,' Guetlein told Trump. 'It is a great day for America.' Iron Dome for America gets a golden makeover Trump first announced plans to develop an advanced, layered homeland missile shield in the early days of his second presidency, issuing an executive order that called for a 60-day study of architecture options. The capability is expected to include a mix of ground and space-based interceptors designed to defeat a spectrum of threats — from lower-end weapons to advanced hypersonic and cruise missiles. While the current homeland missile defense system focuses on threats from rogue nations like North Korea and Iran rather than from peer adversaries like China or Russia, Trump's homeland missile defense shield would focus on addressing threats from peer adversaries, as well as those rogue threats. Beyond his cost and schedule projections — and an assertion that Canada had signed on to be part of Golden Dome — Trump was light on details about the architecture and approach to fielding what many analysts and officials have called a bold and challenging endeavor. He alluded to fielding space-based and hypersonic interceptors but offered little more about the scope of the project. Trump's promise Tuesday to deliver the layered, integrated system in around 'two-and-a-half to three years' would require the Defense Department to field the more advanced elements of the architecture years ahead of schedule. For example, the space-based missile interceptors that he said will be part of the effort have not yet been developed. Meanwhile, hypersonic interceptors are not expected to be developed and delivered until the mid-2030s. While the more advanced elements of Golden Dome will take time to deliver, several pieces of the architecture are already in various stages of development. That includes a space-based missile defense and tracking layer comprised of satellites and sensors that can identify and monitor high-end missile threats, which MDA and the Space Force are currently developing and fielding. Those capabilities are part of the Space Development Agency's Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture and could potentially be scaled to support Golden Dome. Republicans in Congress have largely been supportive of Golden Dome. In February, Sens. Dan Sullivan, R-Alaska, and Kevin Cramer, R-N.D. — both of whom were in the Oval Office for Tuesday's announcement — introduced a bill that proposes $19.5 billion for Golden Dome in fiscal 2026. Their bill, the Golden Dome Act, proposes the addition of Aegis Ashore Systems for the continental U.S. — which took years to install in Romania and Poland — and the use of blimps for detecting complex threats. The Ground-Based Midcourse Defense system, or GMD, at Fort Greely, Alaska, would be expanded and upgraded with next-generation interceptors along with a brand-new interceptor site on the East Coast. Meanwhile, the House GOP included $25 billion for the project in its budget reconciliation package for fiscal 2025 — a number that Trump referenced and validated in his remarks Tuesday. Asked how confident he is that Congress will fully fund Golden Dome given the administration's $175 billion cost projection, Trump called the process 'easy.' 'It's amazing how easy this one is to fund,' he said. 'Some funding is tough and some is easy. When we say we're going to save everyone's lives in a crazy world, it seems to be very easy to get.' Trump noted that Golden Dome systems will be made in the U.S., but didn't confirm whether contracts had been awarded. Sen. Jim Banks, R-Ind., highlighted the work that L3Harris, which is based in his home state, is doing to build out the current space-based sensor architecture. Sullivan also referenced Lockheed and RTX, who are developing ground-based missile interceptors, while noting that the project will also likely involve more nontraditional defense contractors. 'It's all across the board in terms of companies. Sen. Cramer and I just met with a bunch of them last week that are interested in this,' he said. 'Our technology sector is head and shoulders above any other place in the world, and they're going to be a key part of this.'
Arab Times
15-05-2025
- Politics
- Arab Times
US Senate confirms Meink, former air crewman and space expert, as new Air Force secretary
WASHINGTON, May 14, (AP): The Senate on Tuesday easily confirmed Troy Meink as the secretary of the Air Force, putting a former KC-135 tanker aircraft navigator and space expert in charge of the service. The vote was 74-25. Meink has almost four decades of experience in the military and in government, including managing some of the nation's most sensitive satellite intelligence capabilities and the military's space portfolio. He previously served as a deputy of the National Reconnaissance Office. While he is the last of the military's three service secretaries to get confirmed, Meink is the one with the most extensive national security and military experience. "Your leadership is exactly what we need to refocus the Department of Defense on its core mission-lethality, readiness, and putting the warfighter first,' said Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said in a social media post. Army Secretary Daniel Driscoll served a short stint in the Army, but worked largely as a lawyer and investment banker. Navy Secretary John Phelan had been a private investment executive and businessman, and is the first leader of the sea service since 2006 not to have been a veteran. Meink assumes control of both the Air Force and US Space Force, which was established by President Donald Trump during his first term and just hit its fifth year in existence. And his confirmation comes as the Trump administration is working to reshape the nation's space capabilities, including the development of the "Golden Dome' missile defense system. The futuristic system was ordered by Trump during his first week in office. If successful, it would for the first time enable the US to place weapons in space that are meant to destroy ground-based missiles within seconds of launch. any countries, including Russia, China, North Korea and the US, are developing new ways to disable of defend the tens of thousands of satellites that ring the Earth as a way to cripple a potential adversary without fighting a traditional land-based war. Meink is from Lemmon, South Dakota, and joined the Air Force as an ROTC cadet at South Dakota State University in 1988. In his previous position at the National Reconnaissance Office, Meink oversaw a more than $15 billion budget to acquire new satellite capabilities.
14-05-2025
- Politics
Senate confirms Troy Meink, former air crewman and space expert, as the new Air Force secretary
WASHINGTON -- The Senate on Tuesday easily confirmed Troy Meink as the secretary of the Air Force, putting a former KC-135 tanker aircraft navigator and space expert in charge of the service. The vote was 74-25. Meink has almost four decades of experience in the military and in government, including managing some of the nation's most sensitive satellite intelligence capabilities and the military's space portfolio. He previously served as a deputy of the National Reconnaissance Office. While he is the last of the military's three service secretaries to get confirmed, Meink is the one with the most extensive national security and military experience. 'Your leadership is exactly what we need to refocus the Department of Defense on its core mission—lethality, readiness, and putting the warfighter first,' said Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said in a social media post. Army Secretary Daniel Driscoll served a short stint in the Army, but worked largely as a lawyer and investment banker. Navy Secretary John Phelan had been a private investment executive and businessman, and is the first leader of the sea service since 2006 not to have been a veteran. Meink assumes control of both the Air Force and U.S. Space Force, which was established by President Donald Trump during his first term and just hit its fifth year in existence. And his confirmation comes as the Trump administration is working to reshape the nation's space capabilities, including the development of the 'Golden Dome' missile defense system. The futuristic system was ordered by Trump during his first week in office. If successful, it would for the first time enable the U.S. to place weapons in space that are meant to destroy ground-based missiles within seconds of launch. Many countries, including Russia, China, North Korea and the U.S., are developing new ways to disable of defend the tens of thousands of satellites that ring the Earth as a way to cripple a potential adversary without fighting a traditional land-based war. Meink is from Lemmon, South Dakota, and joined the Air Force as an ROTC cadet at South Dakota State University in 1988. In his previous position at the National Reconnaissance Office, Meink oversaw a more than $15 billion budget to acquire new satellite capabilities.
