The Canadian government has confirmed it is engaged in active discussions with the United States regarding participation in the proposed “Golden Dome” missile defence system. This system, unveiled by US President Donald Trump, aims to counter “next-generation” aerial threats, including hypersonic missiles, using space-based sensors and interceptors.
According to Audrey Champoux, a spokeswoman for Prime Minister Mark Carney, “Canadians gave the prime minister a strong mandate to negotiate a comprehensive new security and economic relationship with the United States.” As part of this effort, the prime minister and his ministers are having “wide-ranging and constructive discussions” with their American counterparts, including strengthening North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) and related initiatives like the Golden Dome.
Trump announced an initial price tag of $25 billion for the Golden Dome system, with an estimated total cost of $175 billion. However, the non-partisan Congressional Budget Office has estimated the space-based parts of the system alone could cost $542 billion over 20 years. The US president expressed his expectation for Canada to “pay their fair share” in the project.
Champoux noted that it’s too early to determine Canada’s potential financial contribution or role in the programme. “We’ll be talking to them,” Trump said. “They want to have protection also, so as usual, we help Canada.”
The Golden Dome system is designed to be capable of intercepting missiles launched from anywhere in the world or even from space. Defence expert Shashank Joshi suggests one possible approach for the system would involve using thousands of satellites to spot and track missiles, and then interceptors in orbit to fire at the missiles as they take off.
Key Details:
- System Purpose: Counter “next-generation” aerial threats, including hypersonic missiles
- Estimated Cost: $175 billion (Trump’s estimate), $542 billion (Congressional Budget Office estimate for space-based parts)
- Canada’s Role: Active discussions with the US, potential participation in the programme
- System Capabilities: Designed to intercept missiles launched from anywhere in the world or even from space
- Potential Technology: Thousands of satellites to spot and track missiles, interceptors in orbit to fire at missiles