Strategic Motivation
The Golden Dome will depend heavily on defense contractors, including SpaceX, Lockheed Martin, and Raytheon. SpaceX is expected to support rocket launches and orbital payloads. Lockheed and Raytheon will provide essential missile defense hardware such as THAAD, Aegis Ashore, and Patriot systems.
The launch of the Golden Dome comes amid rising defense concerns. A Defense Intelligence Agency report recently stated that China possesses around 400 intercontinental ballistic missiles, Russia has 350, and North Korea has a growing but smaller arsenal.
Trump has framed the project as America’s answer to these threats, drawing comparisons to Israel’s “Iron Dome” missile defense system.
Links and References:
- DIA Report: Missile Threats from China, Russia, North Korea
- Trump’s Defense Shield Plans — MSN Report
- Trump Names Josh Bartelstein as CEO of Suns and Mercury — NBA Press Release
