Introduced in the Oval Office, the Golden Dome missile shield is projected to cost approximately $175 billion over the next three years. North Korea has denounced the United States' proposed missile defense system, claiming it sets the stage for a "nuclear war in space." The criticism is directed at US President Donald Trump’s bold defense initiative, which features space-based sensors and interceptors. North Korea’s Foreign Ministry argues that the Golden Dome is a disguised offensive weapon intended to heighten global tensions, especially in East Asia.
The system is anticipated to function from various locations, including Anchorage, Alaska, but faces opposition from countries such as North Korea and raises concerns among allies like Japan and South Korea.
North Korea Condemns US Golden Dome
North Korea's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has openly criticized the US Golden Dome missile defense initiative, labeling it a highly provocative and destabilizing action. This condemnation was conveyed in a memorandum released by the US Research Institute of the North Korean Foreign Ministry and reported by the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).
The memorandum states that the Golden Dome, a next-generation defense network inspired by Israel’s Iron Dome, signifies a transition from conventional missile deterrence to space-based warfare. North Korea claims that the United States is mischaracterizing the system as solely defensive, asserting that it can quickly be converted into an offensive platform, thereby making global targets accessible.
The statement also criticized the United States for leveraging trilateral alliances, especially with South Korea and Japan, to establish a missile defense system that primarily serves Washington's strategic interests. "The dominant power is ruthlessly and selfishly manipulating its allied nations as mere pawns," the report asserted. North Korea reiterated its commitment to defending regional stability, emphasizing its intention to protect its strategic interests against foreign military advancements in outer space.
The US Golden Dome
Introduced in the Oval Office, the Golden Dome missile defense system is projected to cost approximately $175 billion over the next three years. President Trump, flanked by senior defense officials, including Gen. Michael Guetlein of the US Space Force, outlined the project's ambitious scope, asserting it will be the most advanced missile defense architecture ever created.
This system will feature interceptors deployed on land, at sea, and in space, designed to counter threats from intercontinental and hypersonic missiles, including those launched from space. While still in the early stages of development, components of the architecture, such as satellite tracking and threat detection systems, are currently being developed through the Space Development Agency’s Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture.
Republican support in Congress has been strong for the Golden Dome Act, which is championed by Senators Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska) and Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.). This legislation aims to introduce Aegis Ashore systems, establish an interceptor site on the East Coast, and enhance coverage from Fort Greely in Alaska. The House GOP has earmarked $25 billion in their fiscal 2025 budget reconciliation package to initiate this project.
However, critics point out that crucial technologies, such as hypersonic and space-based interceptors, are still years away from being operational. Despite these concerns, Trump has claimed that securing funding is straightforward, highlighting the significant bipartisan support for safeguarding the U.S. homeland.
