Golden Dome Project: The “Golden Dome” project, announced by US President Donald Trump in 2025, is likely to have Japan as a key ally. Japan Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, who will visit the country next week is expected to discuss the plans regarding the project with Trump. 

Japan To Join 'Golden Dome' Project

According to a Reuters report, citing Japanese government sources, PM Takaichi will let the US know about Japan’s intention to join the project. Tokyo expects that Washington may seek its help with missile production amid ongoing conflicts in the Middle East and other regions. Apart from Japan, Canada is also reportedly involved in "high-level" talks since May 2025 over financial and technical participation in the Golden Dome project. 

What is the Golden Dome project? 

The Golden Dome missile defense system or the Golden Dome project was announced by Trump on May 21, 2025. Under this project, a multi-layered defence shield, with an estimated cost of 175-billion-dollar will be created. Trump named US Space Force General Michael Guetlein as head of the ambitious program. In a press conference, Trump earlierstated that Golden Dome will protect the US from long-range missiles, including those launched from space or other continents, and will integrate with current defence systems. While the project is inspired from Israel’s Iron Dome, it will be much larger in size. 

ALSO READ: How Modi Govt's Balanced Strategy With US, Israel And Iran Eased Fuel Stress For India | Explained

The timeline for this project, which aims to expand existing ⁠ground‑based defenses like interceptor missiles with certain experimental space‑based elements is 2029. It aims to create an "impenetrable shield" to destroy ballistic, hypersonic, and cruise missiles. As part of this project, a network of satellites would be created to detect, track, and potentially intercept incoming missiles. The shield will be capable of deploying hundreds of satellites for tracking missiles. 

Why Is US Seeking Support?

Interestingly, the US doesn't aim to develop this project alone. Washington is encouraging allies to join the Golden Dome project to distribute financial costs and expand the coverage. The shield aims to protect the US and its allies against advanced threats from countries like China, Russia, and North Korea. However, the project has made little progress so far. 

China, Russia Oppose The Project

Earlier in 2025, China and Russia released a joint statement opposing Trump's ambitious project by calling it “deeply destabilizing in nature." The two countries noted that the Golden Dome was “a complete and ultimate rejection to recognise the existence of the inseparable interrelationship between strategic offensive arms and strategic defensive arms.” 

ALSO READ: Middle East Conflict: Who Are Houthis And Why Iran’s Ally Has Not Joined War? Explained


 


Also In News