Short Wave: Trump Wants A Missile Defense System Like Israel's
Released on June 17, 2025

In this episode of NPR’s Short Wave, hosts Emily Kwong and science correspondent Jeff Brumfiel delve into the complexities surrounding missile defense systems, sparked by recent military actions in the Middle East and a bold proposal from former President Donald Trump. The discussion intricately weaves through the current state of missile defenses, the technical and financial challenges of implementing a similar system in the United States, and the broader geopolitical implications.

1. Israel’s Recent Military Actions and Missile Defense

The episode opens with a briefing on the escalating tensions between Israel and Iran. Following a series of attacks on Iran's nuclear facilities by Israel, Iran retaliated by launching hundreds of missiles targeting central Israel. This ongoing conflict has brought Israel’s sophisticated missile defense systems under the spotlight.

Jeff Brumfiel explains:

“[...] Iron Dome has been very busy intercepting rockets from Gaza, intercepting rockets from Lebanon.”
(00:34)

Emily Kwong adds context by connecting these events to the U.S. interest in missile defense systems, particularly highlighting Israel's Iron Dome.

2. Understanding Israel’s Missile Defense Systems

The conversation transitions to the mechanics of Israel's missile defense network, emphasizing its layered approach:

• Iron Dome: Primarily intercepts short-range rockets and artillery shells.
• Arrow and David’s Sling: Designed to counter medium to long-range ballistic missiles.

Jeff Brumfiel details:

“Basically it is a network system of missile launchers that are tied to radars and computers. And so when they see incoming missiles, they make a decision.”
(04:39)

This system allows Israel to protect populated areas by intercepting threats mid-air, showcasing a model of advanced defensive technology.

3. Trump's "Golden Dome" Proposal

Former President Donald Trump has expressed strong interest in developing a similar missile defense system for the United States, dubbed the Golden Dome. During a congressional speech, Trump emphasized the need for a state-of-the-art defense shield:

Donald Trump states:

“I am asking Congress to fund a state of the art Golden Dome missile defense shield to protect our homeland, all made in the USA.”
(01:25)

The Golden Dome aims to protect the U.S. from sophisticated missile threats posed by major adversaries such as Russia and China, who possess more advanced and numerous missile capabilities compared to Iran.

4. Technical Challenges of Building Golden Dome

Creating an effective missile defense system akin to Iron Dome on a national scale presents significant technical hurdles:

• Intercepting ICBMs: Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles (ICBMs) are launched from distant locations, travel through space, and re-enter the atmosphere at hypersonic speeds, making interception extremely challenging.

Jeff Brumfiel highlights the magnitude of this task:

“Defending against an ICBM that is burning out at 7km a second [...] is a completely different problem.”
(06:43)

Experts like Laura Grego, a physicist with the Union of Concerned Scientists, emphasize the narrow window—only three to five minutes—available to intercept such missiles during their launch phase.

Jeffrey Lewis, a missile defense expert, underscores the difficulties:

“We will end up spending tens, if not hundreds of billions of dollars to be in, at best the same place we are today. And most likely a much worse place.”
(13:46)

5. Financial Implications and Feasibility

The financial aspect of deploying Golden Dome is daunting. While the Trump administration estimates the cost at around $175 billion, the Congressional Budget Office projects it could be closer to half a trillion dollars.

Jeff Brumfiel remarks on the scope:

“It's a very expensive project.”
(12:39)

The comparison to existing large-scale satellite constellations, such as Starlink, offered by SpaceX, serves as a proof of concept for mass-producing and deploying thousands of satellites necessary for a space-based defense system.

6. Expert Opinions and Geopolitical Consequences

Several experts weighed in on the potential impact and strategic implications of Golden Dome:

• Tom Carico, Director of the Missile Defense Project at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, supports the initiative, emphasizing the increasing reliance on missile technology in modern warfare.

“Missiles have become weapons of choice. [...] It's what everybody reaches for to be able to strike from a standoff position.”
(11:03)

However, Jeffrey Lewis and others caution that an effective missile defense system might provoke adversaries to escalate their own missile arsenals, potentially leading to an arms race.

“Golden Dome could ultimately end up making things worse.”
(13:46)

The episode underscores a critical debate: while missile defenses like Golden Dome could enhance national security, they might also destabilize global military balances by encouraging rival nations to develop more advanced offensive capabilities.

7. Conclusion: The Future of Missile Defense

Emily Kwong and Jeff Brumfiel wrap up the discussion by acknowledging the dual-edged nature of advanced missile defense systems. While they offer protection against emerging threats, they also pose significant technical, financial, and geopolitical challenges that need thorough consideration.

Jeff Brumfiel concludes:

“No one who really understands these systems thinks it could happen in the remaining three years of Trump's [...] term, to be honest with you.”
(12:47)

The episode leaves listeners contemplating the delicate balance between advancing national defense technologies and maintaining global security stability.

Notable Quotes:

• Donald Trump: “I am asking Congress to fund a state of the art Golden Dome missile defense shield to protect our homeland, all made in the USA.”
  (01:25)

• Jeffrey Lewis: “We will end up spending tens, if not hundreds of billions of dollars to be in, at best the same place we are today. And most likely a much worse place.”
  (13:46)

• Tom Carico: “Missiles have become weapons of choice. [...] It's what everybody reaches for to be able to strike from a standoff position.”
  (11:03)

This episode of Short Wave provides a comprehensive exploration of the aspirations and obstacles associated with developing a national missile defense system akin to Israel's Iron Dome. By integrating expert insights and current geopolitical developments, Emily Kwong and Jeff Brumfiel offer listeners a nuanced understanding of one of today's most pressing defense challenges.