Golden Dome

The United States has announced plans to develop the Golden Dome, a next-generation missile defense system designed to counter hypersonic, ballistic, and cruise missile threats using space-based interceptors.

The initiative aims to enhance national security by providing comprehensive air defense coverage for the US.

What is the Golden Dome?

Golden Dome

The Golden Dome is a nationwide missile defense system that will integrate:

Space-based sensors and interceptors to detect and neutralize missile threats early.
Ground-based and naval defenses as additional protective layers.
Advanced communication networks to enable real-time data sharing and rapid response.
The system is expected to counter hypersonic, ballistic, and cruise missiles with superior early-warning and interception capabilities.

Golden Dome vs. Iron Dome: Key Differences

Feature	Golden Dome (US)	Iron Dome (Israel)
Scope	Nationwide defense across US airspace	Regional defense focused on specific areas
Threats Countered	Hypersonic, ballistic, and cruise missiles	Short-range rockets, artillery shells, and UAVs
Technology Used	Space-based sensors, interceptors, and multi-layered defense	Ground-based radars and interceptors
Deployment Strategy	Integrated across the US military, using land, sea, and space assets	Deployed at key locations to protect Israeli cities
Interception Method	Uses advanced sensors to detect threats early and neutralize them	Detects and intercepts incoming short-range threats before impact

Strategic Importance of Golden Dome

Strengthens US national security by protecting against evolving missile threats.
Reduces vulnerability to hypersonic weapons, which are harder to intercept.
Provides real-time intelligence and rapid response capabilities.
Supports allied defense cooperation, learning from Israel’s Iron Dome experience.

Also Read
UPSC Daily Editorials	UPSC Daily Current Affairs
Daily Current Affairs Quiz	Daily Main Answer Writing
Check Out Previous Years Papers From PW Store	UPSC Test Series
Check Out UPSC NCERT Textbooks From PW Store	Check Out UPSC Modules From PW Store