"The idea sounds like something out of a science fiction movie: thousands of satellites orbiting Earth, space-based sensors tracking missiles in real time, and weapons capable of destroying threats just seconds after launch. But behind the spectacular Golden Dome project promoted by President Donald Trump are serious doubts about its feasibility. A new analysis by the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) has estimated that the system could cost up to $1.2 trillion over two decades a figure nearly seven times higher than the $175 billion Trump initially promised."
"The actual cost Trump presented the Golden Dome as a revolutionary defense system capable of protecting the United States from advanced aerial threats, including ballistic, hypersonic, and cruise missiles. The project was launched via an executive order signed during the first week of his second term. At the time, the president assured that the system would be fully operational before the end of his term in January 2029. He also stated that the total cost would be around $175 billion."
"However, the new CBO report paints a much more costly picture of the project. The nonpartisan agency estimated that developing, deploying, and operating the system over 20 years could drive costs up to $1.2 trillion. Acquisition costs alone would exceed $1 trillion. The CBO itself clarified that the estimate does not represent a definitive government design, as the Pentagon has not yet detailed exactly how the system will function or how many components it will include."
"The report notes that this is one illustrative approach rather than an estimate of a specific Administration proposal. A space shield inspired by Israel The Golden Dome concept is partly inspired by Israel's Iron Dome, the well-known multi-layered system that intercepts rockets and short-range missiles launched from Gaza, Lebanon, or Iran."
Golden Dome envisions thousands of satellites in orbit using space-based sensors to track missiles in real time and enable weapons to destroy threats seconds after launch. The project was promoted as a revolutionary defense against ballistic, hypersonic, and cruise missiles, with an initial promise of about $175 billion and full operation by January 2029. A Congressional Budget Office analysis estimates total costs over 20 years could reach $1.2 trillion, nearly seven times higher, with acquisition costs alone exceeding $1 trillion. The estimate is not tied to a finalized government design because the Pentagon has not yet detailed how the system will work or how many components it will include. The shield may still fail to stop a large attack from Russia or China.
#missile-defense #space-based-surveillance #defense-budgeting #ballistic-and-hypersonic-missiles #us-russia-china-security
Read at english.elpais.com
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