Trump announces plans to build 'Iron Dome' missile defence system in US

Miami: President Donald Trump revealed on Monday that he intends to sign an executive order to begin construction of an "Iron Dome" missile defence system in the United States. The system, similar to Israel's, is designed to intercept rockets and other short-range threats.

"We need to immediately begin the construction of a state-of-the-art Iron Dome missile defense shield, which will be able to protect Americans," Trump stated at a Republican congressional retreat in Miami.

Trump assured the audience that the new system "will be made right here in the USA." He also emphasised that it would enhance national security by providing an effective defence against incoming threats.

The announcement coincided with the first day in office of the new US Defence Secretary, Pete Hegseth. Trump mentioned that this was one of four key executive orders he planned to sign, including another order aimed at removing "transgender ideology" from the military.

During his 2024 election campaign, Trump promised to develop a US version of Israel's successful Iron Dome, which has been used to intercept thousands of rockets fired by regional adversaries. However, critics point out that the system is designed for short-range threats, making it less effective against long-range missiles, which pose a greater threat to the US.

Praise for Israeli system

Despite these limitations, Trump continued to praise Israel's Iron Dome, which has been used to protect against rockets fired by Hamas in Gaza and Hezbollah in Lebanon, especially during the recent conflict following the October 7 Hamas attack on Israel.

"They knock down just about every one of them," Trump said. "So I think the United States is entitled to that."

Trump's announcement marks the beginning of his push to enhance the nation's defence capabilities, though questions remain about the feasibility and effectiveness of such a system for the US.

Agency