Trump Orders Development of US Iron Dome Missile Defense

US President Donald Trump signed an executive order to initiate the development of a comprehensive missile defense system, referred to as "Iron Dome for America". This system is designed to defend against emerging missile threats, particularly from Russia and China, with a focus on hypersonic weapons. The order emphasizes the need for advanced technological solutions, including space-based interceptors. 

The initiative aims to provide the US with next-generation defense capabilities, offering protection against ballistic, hypersonic, and cruise missile attacks, which the order identifies as the nation’s most significant threats. Drawing inspiration from Israel's Iron Dome, which has successfully intercepted short-range rockets since 2011, Trump's order acknowledges the need for a more sophisticated system to protect the US territory and counter advanced missile technologies, such as China's hypersonic glide vehicles.

The executive order directs the Department of Defense (DoD) to develop a robust missile defense shield, which will include space-based interceptors. Within 60 days, the DoD is required to submit a detailed implementation plan, including reference architecture and missile defense requirements. The plan will focus on the development of space-based interceptors capable of engaging missiles during the boost phase of flight. The order also prioritizes accelerating the Hypersonic and Ballistic Tracking Space Sensor program, designed to detect and track hypersonic weapons.

Key elements of the plan include deploying proliferated space-based interceptors and creating a "custody layer" within the Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture. This system, under development by the US Space Force’s Space Development Agency, aims to establish a network of satellites capable of detecting and neutralizing missile threats at an early stage. The order also mandates the development of non-kinetic capabilities to supplement traditional intercept methods.

This focus on space-based systems marks a significant shift from traditional ground-based and sea-based missile defense technologies. Critics, however, have raised concerns that space-based interceptors could lead to an arms race or violate existing international treaties. Proponents argue that space-based solutions offer global coverage and can effectively address evolving missile threats.

A critical objective of the executive order is securing the defense industrial base by introducing next-generation security features to protect the missile defense supply chain. The development of the system will involve a comprehensive review of existing DoD authorities and organizational structures to ensure the timely implementation of the directive.

Critics of the "Iron Dome for America" initiative have expressed concerns about its feasibility and cost. Military experts point out that while Israel’s Iron Dome is effective against lower-powered rockets, replicating a similar system to protect the US mainland would be prohibitively expensive and technically challenging. Existing US missile defense systems, such as Ground-Based Midcourse Defense (GMD) and Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD), already address these threats.

Despite these challenges, Trump has continued to advocate for expanding the missile defense system, stressing the importance of protecting not only US allies but also its own citizens. “We protect other countries, but we do not protect ourselves. Now we have phenomenal technology. You see that with Israel, where, out of 319 rockets, they knock down just about every one of them. I think the United States is entitled to that,” Trump said during the announcement.