The Iron Dome for America: US launches next-generation missile defence plan
President Trump Enhances US Missile Defense
On January 27, 2025, President Donald Trump signed an executive order to strengthen the United States' missile defense capabilities. This move addresses the growing threats from advanced missile technologies, including ballistic, hypersonic, and cruise missiles.
Background and Historical Context
Previous efforts, such as the Strategic Defense Initiative (SDI) in the 1980s under President Ronald Reagan, aimed to create a comprehensive missile defense system but were not fully realized. Since the US withdrew from the Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty in 2002, the focus has been on threats from rogue states and accidental launches. However, the rise of new missile technologies has necessitated an updated defense strategy.
Key Components of the Executive Order
The order outlines the development of a next-generation missile defense shield with multi-layered protection against various missile types. It emphasizes the importance of maintaining a secure second-strike capability. The plan includes advancements like the Hypersonic and Ballistic Tracking Space Sensor layer for faster missile detection and space-based interceptors for early interception.
Implementation and Collaboration
The Secretary of Defense will submit an implementation plan within 60 days, detailing the architecture and deployment roadmap. The Department of Defense will review its structure to respond to threats effectively. The administration will work with the Office of Management and Budget to secure funding for the Fiscal Year 2026 Budget.
US Strategic Command and Northern Command will assess missile threats to the US homeland, prioritizing defense system deployment locations. The US will also collaborate with allies to enhance global missile defense capabilities, focusing on bilateral and multilateral cooperation.
Doubts Revealed
President Trump
Donald Trump was the 45th President of the United States. He served from January 20, 2017, to January 20, 2021. In this context, it seems he is mentioned as if he is still in office in 2025, which might be a fictional scenario.
Executive order
An executive order is a directive issued by the President of the United States. It has the power of law and is used to manage operations of the federal government.
Missile defense system
A missile defense system is a setup designed to detect, track, and destroy incoming missiles. It helps protect a country from attacks by enemy missiles.
Ballistic, hypersonic, and cruise missiles
These are types of missiles. Ballistic missiles travel in a high arc, hypersonic missiles travel faster than the speed of sound, and cruise missiles fly at a lower altitude and are guided to their target.
Second-strike capability
Second-strike capability is a country's assured ability to respond to a nuclear attack with powerful nuclear retaliation. It is important for maintaining a balance of power and deterring attacks.
Hypersonic and Ballistic Tracking Space Sensor layer
This is a technology that helps track hypersonic and ballistic missiles from space. It is part of the advanced systems to improve missile defense.
Space-based interceptors
Space-based interceptors are weapons placed in space to destroy incoming missiles before they reach their target. They are part of a missile defense strategy.
Secretary of Defense
The Secretary of Defense is the head of the Department of Defense in the United States. This person is responsible for military policies and the armed forces.
Allies
Allies are countries that support each other, especially in times of war or conflict. The US often works with its allies to strengthen defense and security.
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