A $1.5 Trillion Project: The U.S. Plans to Combat Hypersonic Threats with the “Golden Dome”

The United States is aiming to elevate its defense capabilities to a new level. The “Golden Dome” missile defense program, proposed by former President Donald Trump and currently in development, is attracting global attention. According to General Bradley Chance Saltzman, Chief of Staff of the U.S. Space Force, the project will require more than $1.5 trillion to implement.

The existing budget is not enough

General Saltzman emphasized that the $542 billion currently planned by the U.S. Congress for the initial phase is insufficient. Speaking at a security conference, he stated, “Additional funding is required.”

The “Golden Dome” program is not just a project — it is an effective response by the U.S. to global threats. It includes creating satellite architecture in low and medium Earth orbit to detect, track, and, if necessary, destroy hypersonic missiles and other high-level threats posed by countries like China and Russia.

Reagan’s idea in a new format

The “Golden Dome” concept resembles the Strategic Defense Initiative proposed in the 1980s by President Ronald Reagan. That anti-missile system, based on “satellite-to-satellite” interception, failed due to high costs and technological limitations. But today, with advanced technology and increased private sector capability, this new format of defense seems more feasible.

Elon Musk’s possible involvement

According to Saltzman, the program is still in the development phase. Once the main plan is finalized, it will be submitted to Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and then presented to the White House for approval.

It was previously reported that Elon Musk’s SpaceX and two of its partners are among the main candidates to develop the new generation of the “Golden Dome” system. This indicates active involvement from the private sector in the project.

In conclusion

The U.S. “Golden Dome” program is critical not only for national security but also for global military balance. If successful, it could give the United States a dominant edge in combating hypersonic and advanced technological threats.

Zamin.uz’s editorial board will continue to follow all developments surrounding this massive and strategic project. What do you think? Is the “Golden Dome” a real defense solution or just another futuristic concept? Read 'Zamin' on Telegram!