US President Donald Trump announced plans to construct a domestic version of Israel’s renowned “Iron Dome” missile defence system, as per remarks made at a Republican congressional retreat in Miami on Monday.
The executive order will aim to build a state-of-the-art air defence shield designed to protect the United States from missile threats.
“We need to immediately begin the construction of a state-of-the-art Iron Dome missile defence shield, which will be able to protect Americans,” Trump stated. He highlighted that the system, like Israel’s, will be produced domestically, saying, “It will be made right here in the USA.”
The Israeli Iron Dome has gained worldwide acclaim for intercepting short-range rocket attacks, particularly during recent conflicts with Hamas and Hezbollah. Trump praised the system, saying it “knocks down just about every one of them” and emphasised the United States’ entitlement to similar protection.
While Trump’s announcement drew from Israel’s success, experts have noted that the Iron Dome is specifically designed for short-range rocket threats and may not address the US’ primary missile concerns, such as intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs).
According to a CNN fact sheet, the executive order mandates a more advanced, layered missile defence shield capable of addressing threats from ballistic, hypersonic and advanced cruise missiles.
The project envisions space-based systems to detect and neutralise attacks, though no detailed timeline or cost estimates were provided. Existing US defences, such as Patriot missile systems and shoulder-launched Stinger missiles, already offer a multi-layered response to some missile threats, but the proposed system would represent a significant technological leap.
In addition to the Iron Dome initiative, Trump is likely to sign three other executive orders focused on military policies, including reinstating service members discharged for refusing Covid-19 vaccination, banning transgender individuals from military service, and ending Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) programs in the armed forces, reported CNN.
