Donald Trump has announced a 'Golden Dome' missile defence program revealing who's set to be involved, an anticipated timeline, and why it's all necessary.
On May 20, Trump outlined his ideas for a $175 billion 'Golden Dome' missile defence program while speaking to reporters from the Oval Office in the White House.
The goal of the program? To help the US to intercept missiles 'even if they are launched from space'.
Current vice chief of space operations, General Michael Guetlein, is set to oversee the progress of the Golden Dome and - shockingly - the POTUS' right-hand man Elon Musk is also potentially set to be involved.
Here's a breakdown of it all for you...
What is the Golden Dome and why is it necessary?
China and Russia developing new, advanced missiles hasn't sat well with the US. The two countries have already put offensive weapons in space - including satellites that can disable critical US satellites - meaning the US is subsequently vulnerable to attack.
Following warnings from the Pentagon that updating countermeasures is a much-needed step, the POTUS has since decided to do something about it.
Essentially, the Golden Dome program is set to strengthen the US' ability to detect and stop missiles at four specific stages of a missiles' launch and journey:
- Before a launch
- During the earliest stage of a missile's flight
- During the middle of a missile's course
- During the final minutes as a missile approaches a target
Head of the US Space Force, General Chance Saltzman, said the Golden Dome and its weapons 'represent new and emerging requirements for missions that have never before been accomplished by military space organizations'.
And Trump has an ambitious plan for how long the program should take to set up.
Trump's timeline for the Golden Dome
Trump's presidency is set to come to an end in 2029 - as long as he doesn't try and find a loophole to run for a third time that is.
And during Tuesday's press conference, he said he hopes the Golden Dome will be 'fully operational before the end of [his] term'.
The president also detailed an initial spend of $25 billion to begin work on the program.
The system is reported as being set to cost $175 billion to create - and it could cost the US an even heftier amount in the long-run.
The expected cost of the Golden Dome
It's reported there are medium, high and 'extra high' choices for developing options within the program, an official said as reported by PA News Agency.
The differences between the three options would essentially depend on how many satellites, sensors, and space-based interceptors are bought.
The Congressional Budget Office has estimated that space-based components of the program alone could cost as much as $542 billion over the next 20 years.
On Tuesday, newly confirmed Air Force Secretary Troy Meink noted to senators there's not actually any money currently available for the project yet with the Golden Dome 'still in the conceptual stage'.
But where does Elon Musk come into all of it?
Elon Musk's potential involvement in the Golden Dome
Well, 'six people familiar with the matter' told Reuters that Musk's SpaceX alongside two partners are 'frontrunners' to help build the program.
Representatives of SpaceX alongside software maker Palantir and drone builder Anduril reportedly met with Trump administration officials alongside the Pentagon to make their pitch.
The pitch? To build and launch between 400-1,000 satellites around the globe to detect missiles alongside another 200 armed with missiles or lasers themselves to stop enemy missiles.
UNILAD has contacted SpaceX for comment.
So, what has China said about the US' Golden Dome plan?
China's response to the Golden Dome
Not long after Trump's announcement of the program, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning issued a warning.
Mao said the Golden Dome carries 'strong offensive implications', and increases the risk of outer space becoming militarized.
He also argued it heightens the risks of an arms race.
The spokesperson said: "The United States, in pursuing a 'US-first' policy, is obsessed with seeking absolute security for itself. This violates the principle that the security of all countries should not be compromised and undermines global strategic balance and stability. China is seriously concerned about this."
Mao even urged Washington to ditch the development of the Golden Dome altogether.
Although, with Trump at the helm, I wouldn't hold my breath...