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A leading weapons expert has revealed that Donald Trump’s ambitious “Golden Dome” missile defense initiative could take up to two decades to fully realize—far beyond his current term in office.
Speaking to The Express U.S., military historian and defense specialist William R. Forstchen outlined the complexity of the massive undertaking, which he compared to an “Iron Dome on steroids.”
“This is going to be a multilayered system,” Forstchen explained. “The first step will be upgrading our existing ground-based missile defenses.”
The U.S. already has some anti-ballistic missile systems in place, such as those in Alaska, but according to Forstchen, they’re far from foolproof. “Even with our current interceptors, the probability of a missile getting through is still 50% or more,” he noted. “So we’re going to need major upgrades.”
He added that future stages of the project could include advanced space-based weaponry, including hypersonic and laser systems—technologies that are still in development.
A Long Road Ahead
Forstchen said the entire Golden Dome system is projected to take 10 to 15 years to build, assuming consistent political and financial support—something he views as uncertain.
“We know how Congress is,” he said, expressing concern that the project could be delayed or even canceled if Trump’s successor after the 2028 election doesn’t support it. “I pray that’s not the case,” he added.
While full completion is estimated for around 2029, Trump is reportedly focused on at least implementing the first phase during his current term: a comprehensive upgrade of U.S. ground-based missile defense systems.
“He wants that initial step done,” Forstchen said. “Call it Iron Dome on steroids.”
Comparisons to Israel’s Iron Dome
Forstchen likened the Golden Dome to Israel’s Iron Dome—currently being tested in real time as Iran continues launching missile attacks. The Iron Dome is a triple-layered defense system, and while highly effective, it’s not impenetrable.
“Even with the Iron Dome, some missiles still get through,” he pointed out. “That’s just the reality of modern warfare.”
Golden Dome Announced Amid Rising Global Tensions
Trump’s Golden Dome project comes as Israel and Iran remain locked in conflict. Earlier this week, both nations accepted a U.S.-brokered ceasefire deal following 12 days of intense fighting.
Despite the agreement, tensions remain high. Sirens blared across northern Israel just hours after the ceasefire was announced, as more Iranian missiles were reportedly launched. Israel’s military responded with renewed airstrikes, illustrating the fragile nature of the truce.
Trump’s defense initiative—if completed—aims to shield the U.S. from similar missile threats on a much larger scale. But with political timelines and technological hurdles in play, it remains uncertain whether the full system will ever come online.
