Former reality TV star and U.S. President Donald Trump proposes expanded 'Iron Dome' defense system

Trump wants an 'Iron Dome' missile-defense system for the U.S., aiming to enhance national security.

Former President Donald Trump has announced plans to implement a larger version of Israel’s "Iron Dome" missile-defense system in the United States if he secures a second term in office. Speaking at a Faith and Freedom Coalition conference in Washington, DC, Trump pledged to build a "state-of-the-art missile-defense shield" entirely in America, aiming to create jobs and enhance national security. He emphasized the need for such a system by stating, "Israel has it. Why don’t we have it?"

The "Iron Dome" is a well-regarded missile defense system designed to intercept and destroy short-range rockets and artillery shells. Developed by Israel, it has been highly effective in protecting the country from missile attacks. The U.S. has already procured two Iron Dome batteries and plans to purchase more for specific uses, such as protecting overseas bases and providing additional defense capabilities for the Marine Corps.

However, experts point out that replicating the Iron Dome on a national scale in the U.S. presents significant challenges due to the country's vast size. The Iron Dome is particularly suited to Israel’s smaller geographic area and specific threat environment. The U.S. faces different types of threats, such as intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs), for which it has other defense systems like the Ground-Based Midcourse Defense (GMD) system.

Military analysts also highlight the technological and logistical hurdles in deploying a nationwide missile defense system. Michael O’Hanlon, a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution, noted the difficulty in defending against long-range ballistic missiles, which current systems attempt to intercept in outer space. The U.S. relies more on deterrence through mutual assured destruction than on missile defense for protection against nuclear threats.

Trump's proposal did not include specifics on how the expanded Iron Dome system would be implemented, the exact coverage it would provide, or the potential costs involved. The idea has generated discussion about the feasibility and strategic necessity of such a defense system in the United States.