Former President Donald Trump has unveiled an ambitious $175 billion missile defense initiative dubbed the “Golden Dome,” drawing sharp criticism from China, which warned that the system threatens global strategic stability.
In a press announcement, Trump declared the Golden Dome would be “a cutting-edge missile defense shield to protect our homeland from the threat of foreign missile attack.” He emphasized that the project would integrate with existing defense infrastructure and be operational before the end of his potential second term, calling it “a game-changer” and a “generational investment” in U.S. security.
Leading defense contractor Lockheed Martin is expected to play a central role in the initiative. Frank St. John, the company’s Chief Operating Officer, joined Fox News to discuss the plan’s capabilities.
“As the nation’s leading provider of missile defense systems, Lockheed Martin brings fielded, proven capabilities in space, airborne, and surface sensing, interceptors, and command and control systems,” St. John said. He confirmed the system would be designed to intercept nuclear missiles launched from both terrestrial and orbital platforms, as well as cruise and intermediate-range ballistic missiles.
China Responds with Alarm
In response to Trump’s announcement, China’s foreign ministry issued a statement urging the United States to abandon the initiative. The statement said the system would “undermine global strategic balance and stability” and expressed “serious concern” over its development and deployment.
St. John responded to the criticism, stating that deterrence is key to preventing global conflict: “What we’ve seen historically is that a lack of deterrence leads to conflict. Strong defensive capabilities serve peace.”
A Domestic Economic Boost
Lockheed Martin noted that the Golden Dome project would create thousands of jobs across the U.S., with manufacturing and development expected in states including California, Colorado, Alabama, Arkansas, New Jersey, and New York.
“The work of deterrence is a 24/7 operation,” St. John said. “We’re proud to take a leading role in bringing President Trump’s vision to reality.”
Canada Eyes Participation
President Trump also mentioned Canada’s interest in joining the program, though he insisted they would need to contribute financially. The international partnership could expand the scope of the Golden Dome across North America, though negotiations are reportedly in the early stages.
Skepticism and Technological Promise
Critics have questioned whether such a massive defense shield is technically or financially feasible. However, St. John emphasized that most elements of the system already exist and have been combat-tested. The innovation, he said, lies in integrating those technologies at scale using artificial intelligence, edge computing, and advanced networking.
“We’re not starting from scratch,” he explained. “It’s about scaling and stitching together proven technologies.”
Deployment Timeline
Despite the enormous scale of the project, Lockheed Martin believes that a credible version of the Golden Dome can be deployed before the end of Trump’s second term if reelected. “We can rapidly assemble a deterrent and build upon it with future technologies to keep it effective for generations,” said St. John.
As Trump doubles down on national defense ahead of the 2026 midterms, the Golden Dome is shaping up to be both a cornerstone of his security platform and a flashpoint in U.S.-China relations. Whether it enhances national safety or exacerbates global tensions remains to be seen.