Donald Trump has laid out plans to build a missile defense shield for the United States, modeled on Israel’s Iron Dome. Through a new executive order called “The Iron Dome for America,” he has instructed the Pentagon to develop a system capable of protecting against ballistic missiles, hypersonic weapons, and other advanced threats. He stressed that the project will be built entirely in the United States and will be a priority for his administration.
Trumps new executive order:
“The Iron Dome for America” pic.twitter.com/Fvn6pqYTAT
— Open Source Intel (@Osint613) January 28, 2025
The order gives the Secretary of Defense, Pete Hegseth, two months to prepare a detailed plan. This includes developing technology to intercept missiles in space, stopping missile attacks before they even launch, and creating multiple layers of defense to protect cities and infrastructure.
Trump’s proposal aims to shield the entire country. He has repeatedly pointed to Israel’s Iron Dome as a successful example, while emphasizing that a U.S. version would be larger and more advanced. During his campaign, Trump stated that the U.S. deserves a defense system that is entirely homegrown, using American technology and resources.
How It Will Work
The executive order outlines several key components of the defense system:
- Interceptors placed in space to stop missiles in the early stages of flight
- Advanced technology to stop attacks before they launch
- Multiple defense layers for cities and critical infrastructure
- A secure supply chain to ensure that components cannot be compromised
- Non-kinetic methods, such as high-energy lasers, to destroy missiles
The project will also look into defending U.S. troops overseas and supporting allies with advanced missile defense technology.
Trump orders ‘Iron Dome for America’ in sweeping hypersonic missile push , through advanced technological solutions, including space-based interceptors . We face ” the most catastrophic threat facing the United States. ” pic.twitter.com/pGNBME2TdV
— cmarin (@cmir_r) January 28, 2025
Challenges and Costs
Building a nationwide missile shield will require advanced technology, a massive budget, and significant innovation. Experts predict the project will cost tens of billions of dollars, but no budget details have been included in the order. Trump’s focus on using only American-made components could add to production challenges.
What Experts Say
Some defense analysts see Trump’s plan as ambitious but necessary, given the increasing threats from nations like China, Russia, and North Korea.
Others argue that scaling up a system like Israel’s Iron Dome to protect the U.S. is unrealistic due to the nation’s size and the complexity of the threats.
Is It Feasible?
The United States already has several missile defense programs, including systems designed to protect specific regions like Washington, D.C., and forward-deployed troops overseas. Integrating these systems into a single, nationwide defense shield will not be easy. It will require technological breakthroughs and cooperation between the military, private companies, and allies.
Trump has promised that the system will be built quickly and entirely in America. Whether that goal can be met will depend on the Pentagon’s ability to deliver a workable plan within the next 60 days.
The United States already has the most powerful military in the world, with the largest navy and cutting-edge technology, yet it continues to strengthen its defenses to ensure unmatched security and maintain its leadership against emerging threats.
