A senior Russian official has expressed concern over President Donald Trump’s new defense initiative, which includes the ambitious Golden Dome missile shield. Gennady Gatilov, Russia’s envoy to the UN in Geneva, warned that such plans could trigger a space arms race and have devastating consequences for humanity. His remarks were reported by Russia’s Tass state news agency. The issue centers on the militarization of outer space, which has long been a controversial topic.

The Golden Dome project involves deploying orbiting interceptors to neutralize incoming missile threats, with early-warning sensors positioned in space. Despite the controversial nature of space-based weaponry, militaries worldwide already use satellites for intelligence, communication, and missile warnings. The U.S. government has yet to release a full blueprint of the system. Leading figures like Russian President Vladimir Putin and China’s Xi Jinping have criticized the project, labeling it a threat to strategic stability. North Korea also condemned the program as self-righteous and arrogant.

Proponents of the Golden Dome argue the project is necessary to defend against next-generation threats, including hypersonic weapons. Both Moscow and Beijing have been investing in these technologies, while the U.S. and NATO are considered to be trailing behind. The Trump administration has linked the initiative to a previous effort spearheaded by Ronald Reagan during the Cold War, known as “Star Wars,” aimed at intercepting Soviet missiles with lasers.

Critics, however, worry about cost and efficacy. The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) projects the project will cost approximately $1.2 trillion over two decades, significantly more than the initial $175 billion budget. A major portion of the expenses would relate to space-based components. The CBO also cautions the system might only manage small-scale threats, potentially being “overwhelmed” by significant attacks from nations like Russia or China.

The construction of the space-based layer involves numerous companies, including major defense contractors like Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman. The U.S. Space Force intends to demonstrate an initial capability by 2028. Yet, CBO official David Mosher has reported difficulty in acquiring updates on the project’s progress. He indicated a lack of communication from the Pentagon team responsible for the Golden Dome.

Concerns extend to international relations, with U.S. lawmakers arguing that the Golden Dome could provoke a nuclear arms race. Currently, there are discussions about including Canada under the Golden Dome’s protection, which would require significant financial commitment from Canada. Both U.S. and Canadian missile defenses are managed by the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD).

Another challenge for the Golden Dome involves countering drone threats. Given the U.S.’s recent experiences in the Middle East, dealing with drone attacks remains a critical issue. The Pentagon’s National Defense Strategy emphasizes the need for cost-effective solutions against large missile barrages and advanced aerial assaults. The high cost of interceptors further complicates efforts to counter drones efficiently. Thus, the Pentagon has created a new hub to streamline defense procurement by involving defense companies, academics, and investors, aiming to reduce bureaucratic hurdles.