President Donald Trump has introduced a plan to establish a “next-generation missile defense shield” aimed at safeguarding the United States from aerial threats.
The Secretary of Defense is required to present a comprehensive plan for this defense initiative within a 60-day timeframe.
This proposal aligns with Trump’s campaign commitments and his “America First” strategy.
However, numerous questions remain regarding the feasibility of such an undertaking and the actual requirements for enhanced protection against intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs), particularly in contrast to Israel’s Iron Dome system.
The Iron Dome, designed to counter rockets and short-range missiles, does not provide defense against ICBMs, and despite Israel’s relatively small geographical area, this system is unable to secure the entire nation.
Currently, the United States relies on limited ICBM defense capabilities, primarily through interceptor missiles located in Alaska and a select few in California.
The Biden administration has initiated upgrades to these interceptors, transitioning to a next-generation arsenal, along with discussions about expanding the system to incorporate additional interceptors in either the Midwest or the East Coast.
During his first term, Trump also addressed the need for an expansion of missile defense strategies.
The Executive Order in question appears to extend beyond existing capabilities and advocates for the development of new space-based defense mechanisms, which are anticipated to require several years for full deployment.
The specifics of what Trump intends by “Iron Dome” remain unclear, as few details have been disclosed; however, the proposal to significantly enhance missile defenses—
historically characterized by inconsistent performance in testing—would involve substantial financial investments, potentially amounting to hundreds of billions of dollars.
Experts in missile defense suggest that the 60-day review may evaluate the potential for expanding missile defense systems in space, including advanced sensors and interceptors.
Additionally, the plan could encompass the introduction of new ground-based interceptors to address an escalating threat, as evidenced by recent developments in Ukraine pertaining to cruise missiles and hypersonic missiles.