Hub Podcasts Would Trump's Golden Dome guarantee North American security?
Jun 4, 2025
Michael O'Hanlon, the director of research in the foreign policy program at the Brookings Institution, shares his expertise on missile defense strategies and their effectiveness against threats from North Korea and Iran. He discusses the need for a multi-layered defense approach and evaluates U.S. investment strategies in sophisticated missile technologies. O'Hanlon highlights the challenges posed by China and Russia's nuclear arsenals, emphasizing the importance of advanced sensor technology and a holistic strategy to enhance North America's security.
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Current US Missile Defense Capabilities
- The US already operates a missile defense system primarily aimed at North Korean ICBM threats that also covers Canada on the west coast.
- However, these interceptors have about a 50% success rate in tests, revealing significant limitations.
Missile Defense Challenges
- MIRVs present a manageable challenge as each warhead flies predictable ballistic paths and can be targeted individually.
- More advanced threats like glide bombs and decoys operating in outer space pose greater difficulties for interception.
Prioritize Military Spending Wisely
- Canada should invest modestly in missile defense rather than expensive systems like Golden Dome.
- Prioritize funding expeditionary land forces for NATO support over costly continental missile defense contributions.