After returning to the White House, United States President Donald Trump promised in January to strengthen the country's air defense system by starting a new project. This project has been named the "Golden Dome." Through this initiative, he aims to modernize and enhance the effectiveness of the US air defense system. However, the technology and operation of the Golden Dome are quite different from Israel’s Iron Dome.
Golden Dome: Space-Based Defense System
The Golden Dome is planned as a space-based air defense system. This system will detect enemy missiles through artificial satellites and then destroy them using laser technology. This method will be capable of intercepting hypersonic, ballistic, and cruise missiles. An initial investment of 25 billion dollars has been promised, and the total cost of the project may reach approximately 175 billion dollars.
Iron Dome: Radar-Based Short-Range Defense System
On the other hand, Israel’s Iron Dome is a radar-based defense system that can intercept short-range rockets, missiles, and artillery shells. It has been in use by Israel since 2011. This system detects enemy attacks using radar and then destroys them with interceptor missiles. Since October 2023, during the ongoing conflict with Hamas, a Palestinian armed group, Israel’s Iron Dome has shown great success; the country claims to have intercepted 98% of rockets fired by Hamas in mid-air.
Technical Differences
| Feature | Golden Dome | Iron Dome |
|---|---|---|
| Technology | Space-based, artificial satellites and laser | Radar-based interceptor missiles |
| Target | Hypersonic, ballistic, and cruise missiles | Short-range rockets, missiles, and artillery shells |
| Deployment Location | Space, land, and sea | Land-based, border areas |
| Effectiveness | Higher defense capability through advanced technology | Effective in real battlefield situations |
| Cost | High, about 175 billion dollars | Relatively low |
Strategic Military Importance
The space-based technology of the Golden Dome will provide the US with modern and advanced defense capabilities. It will be able to detect and intercept enemy attacks much earlier, increasing the military power of the US forces in battle. Meanwhile, the radar-based technology of the Iron Dome allows Israel to quickly respond with defense measures in border areas.
Conclusion
The Golden Dome will enhance US defense capabilities with space-based advanced technology, while the Iron Dome will allow Israel to quickly deploy effective defense systems in border areas using radar-based technology.