Battle Lines Inside Trump’s new Star Wars program, plus HIMARS dispatch
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May 23, 2025 Julia Cournoyer, a Research Associate at Chatham House specializing in missile defense, sheds light on Trump's ambitious Golden Dome missile defense program. They dive into whether this high-tech initiative is science fiction or a practical solution for missile threats. The conversation also explores the implications of Trump’s stance on European security and its effects on NATO's military cooperation. Additionally, live military drills in Sweden showcase US and UK forces' collaborative efforts, reflecting a strengthened commitment to defense in a changing geopolitical landscape.
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Golden Dome Missile Defense Vision
- The Golden Dome aims to be a comprehensive space-based missile defense system protecting the U.S. coast to coast.
- It envisions hundreds or thousands of satellites with advanced sensors and interceptors destroying threats during their boost phase.
Golden Dome and Star Wars Comparison
- The Golden Dome's concept resembles Reagan's 1980s Strategic Defense Initiative but with more advanced technology.
- Its feasibility and cost concerns mirror those from the Reagan era amid an arms race.
Range of Missile Threats
- The U.S. sees multiple missile threats including traditional ballistic missiles, hypersonic vehicles, and fractional orbital bombardment systems.
- The Golden Dome intends to counter this full spectrum of advanced and evolving aerial threats.