May 20th, 2025, the Oval Office at the White House in Washington, D.C., President Donald Trump (left) and Peter Hegseth (right) jointly announced the news regarding the Golden Dome missile defense system. (Reuters)

On May 20th, U.S. President Donald Trump stated that he had selected the design for the $17.5 billion "Golden Dome" missile defense system to counter threats from China and Russia. Trump mentioned during a White House press conference that the Golden Dome missile defense system would protect American homes and is expected to be fully operational before the end of his presidential term in 2029.

What is the "Golden Dome"?

The "Golden Dome" system was first ordered by Trump in January with the aim of establishing a satellite network for detecting, tracking, and intercepting incoming missiles. This defense system can deploy hundreds of satellites for missile detection and tracking. The plan will involve building and launching 400 to over 1,000 satellites to track global missile movements.

Reportedly inspired by Israel's Iron Dome defense system, it is expected to have land-based and air-based capabilities, capable of tracking and intercepting missiles at four potential stages: before launch, early flight phase, mid-flight, and before impact.

China explicitly opposes it

China has explicitly opposed the U.S. "Golden Dome" project. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning stated on May 21st that the "Golden Dome" has a strong offensive nature, violating the principle of peaceful use advocated by the Outer Space Treaty. She urged the U.S. to abandon the development and deployment of global anti-missile systems as soon as possible and enhance strategic trust between major powers through concrete actions to maintain global strategic stability.

Who will build it?

In the bidding process for the project, according to sources cited by Reuters, SpaceX, owned by billionaire Elon Musk, and another candidate organization are leading in the competition.

It was reported that SpaceX is teaming up with software manufacturer Palantir and defense technology company Anduril to bid. These three companies have met with senior officials of the Trump administration and the Pentagon to promote their solutions. A U.S. official told Reuters that the Pentagon has received interest from over 180 companies in helping establish this program.

How much will it cost?

Trump previously announced that the "Golden Dome" plan would cost $17.5 billion. The Congressional Budget Office estimated this month that completing the "Golden Dome" could require spending up to $831 billion over the next 20 years.

Original source: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7507095176515502646/

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