TRUMP ANNOUNCES $175BN ‘GOLDEN DOME’ TO COUNTER MISSILE THREATS AS CANADA IN TALKS TO JOIN
The Canadian government has confirmed it is in discussions with the United States to join the proposed “Golden Dome” missile defence system—an ambitious new US plan spearheaded by President Donald Trump to counter emerging aerial threats with a vast, space-based interception network. Prime Minister Mark Carney’s office said the talks are part of broader efforts to renegotiate the Canada-US security and economic relationship, following a volatile period of trade tensions and nationalistic backlash.
Trump announced the Golden Dome on Tuesday, presenting it as a game-changing defence strategy modeled after Israel’s Iron Dome but scaled for North America. The US president said the initial investment of $25 billion will eventually rise to $175 billion. The Congressional Budget Office, however, warned the final cost could balloon to $542 billion over two decades for the space segment alone. While Canada has signaled interest in participating, its financial commitment and operational role remain unclear. Trump emphasized that Canada had “asked to be a part” and said he expects Ottawa to “pay their fair share.”
Experts are divided on the plan’s feasibility. The proposed system would use thousands of satellites and orbital interceptors to target threats including hypersonic missiles and space-launched weapons. Analysts doubt the US can achieve such a system during Trump’s term, citing cost and scale, but acknowledge the Pentagon’s seriousness. The Golden Dome would be integrated with NORAD, the long-standing Canada-US aerospace defence partnership. Canadian Defence officials have yet to confirm how deeply Canada may integrate into the project, though it comes amid renewed talks to modernize NORAD.
