Key Takeaways:
- The US is highly vulnerable to cruise missile threats from China and Russia.
- President Trump is pushing a new missile defense plan called “Golden Dome.”
- Success depends on Congress funding it properly and the Pentagon implementing it well.
- Current missile defense systems are outdated and lack funding, delaying critical upgrades.
The US Is Vulnerable to Missile Threats
The United States faces a growing threat from advanced missiles developed by China and Russia. These weapons, including long-range cruise and hypersonic missiles, can strike anywhere in the US with deadly precision. What’s worse? The country’s current defenses are not equipped to detect or stop these threats effectively.
Right now, only a small area around Washington, D.C., is fully protected from missile threats. The rest of the country remains exposed, leaving millions of Americans at risk. This vulnerability is alarming, especially after the 2023 Chinese spy balloon incident, which revealed major gaps in detecting unusual threats.
The Threat Is Real and Growing
China and Russia are racing to develop weapons that can evade US defenses. Hypersonic missiles, for example, are nearly impossible to detect because they travel at speeds over 3,800 miles per hour and can change direction mid-flight. If these missiles were launched at the US, Americans might not even know they were under attack until the explosions began.
The lack of preparedness is Unsafe—or even dangerous. For years, politicians on both sides have talked about the return of global competition but failed to invest enough in missile defense. This neglect has left the US with outdated systems and delayed critical upgrades.
Delays in Critical Missile Defense Programs
Two important missile defense programs, the Glide Phase Interceptor (GPI) and the Next-Generation Interceptor (NGI), are struggling due to insufficient funding.
- The GPI is designed to counter hypersonic missiles but won’t be ready until 2035—delayed because of funding shortages.
- The NGI, which protects the US from ballistic missile attacks, is also behind schedule by about 18 months.
These delays mean the US is falling behind in its ability to defend itself against rapidly advancing threats.
Trump’s ‘Golden Dome’ Initiative
President Trump has stepped in with a bold plan to fix these problems. His “Golden Dome” initiative aims to create a comprehensive defense system against missile threats. This system would use a mix of space-based sensors, unmanned drones, and advanced technology to detect and destroy incoming missiles.
The plan is ambitious, but it’s just the starting point. To succeed, it needs two things: money and strong leadership.
Congress and the Pentagon Must Act
Congress has already proposed $25 billion in funding for missile defense—a good start. However, this money must be added to the annual defense budget, not taken from it. Lawmakers also need to ensure the budget for 2026 is at least 3-5% higher than the previous year to cover inflation.
But funding alone isn’t enough. The Pentagon needs to assign experienced leaders to oversee the project. Specifically, a Four-Star general with expertise in space and missile defense should lead the effort. This leader would ensure the system is designed properly and integrates cutting-edge technologies.
The Challenges Ahead
Building “Golden Dome” won’t be easy or quick. It requires long-term planning, innovative solutions, and coordination between space, air, and ground systems. Some technologies, like/svgbased missile interceptors, won’t be ready until the 2030s. But there are also shorter-term fixes, such as using dirigibles (large balloons) and drones equipped with radars to improve detection.
One thing the system won’t do is protect against a full-scale nuclear attack. That’s the job of the US nuclear triad, which deters enemies by promising a devastating response to any nuclear strike.
The Bottom Line
President Trump’s “Golden Dome” is a much-needed effort to strengthen US defenses. Congress has shown support with $25 billion in funding, but more action is required. The Pentagon must assign the right leaders, and lawmakers must ensure long-term funding and support.
If done right, “Golden Dome” could make the US safer and less vulnerable to threats. But without proper execution, it risks falling short of its goals, leaving Americans at risk for years to come.