As Canada and the United States engage in strategic talks about the proposed Golden Dome missile defence system, experts raise concerns about feasibility and costs.
Canada Negotiates Potential Participation in Trump's Golden Dome Missile Defence System
Canada Negotiates Potential Participation in Trump's Golden Dome Missile Defence System
Canada is in discussions with the US about involvement in a new missile defence initiative reportedly worth up to $542 billion.
Prime Minister Mark Carney's administration confirmed active negotiations with the US surrounding the "Golden Dome," a comprehensive missile defence strategy aimed at addressing emerging aerial threats. Announced by President Donald Trump, the initiative has an initial price tag of $25 billion, although experts predict final costs could soar as high as $542 billion over two decades.
Carney's office indicated that strengthening security collaborations with the US is a priority, especially in light of recent tensions over trade and tariffs. Audrey Champoux, a spokesperson for the Prime Minister, emphasized the importance of broad and constructive discussions on security, which naturally encompass the Golden Dome project and existing frameworks like Norad (North American Aerospace Defense Command).
“Canadians gave the prime minister a strong mandate to negotiate a comprehensive new security and economic relationship with the United States,” Champoux remarked, indicating that the talks are still in their early stages, with uncertainties surrounding Canada’s financial contribution and operational role in the system.
Trump stated that Canada has shown interest in being part of the Golden Dome, assuring that the US would assist in providing protection. He controversially warned that financial fairness from Canada will be expected, suggesting a significant contribution to project costs.
The Golden Dome aims to defend against sophisticated aerial threats such as hypersonic missiles, using advanced space-based technologies, including satellites and interceptors. While it draws parallels to Israel's Iron Dome, experts are cautious about its feasibility due to the vast geography and complexity of threats across North America.
Shashank Joshi, a defence analyst, expressed skepticism about the project's ambitious timeline and budget impact, noting that a successful implementation would likely extend beyond Trump's administration. The project is part of ongoing efforts to modernize North American defence systems, ensuring both countries can effectively respond to increasingly advanced military threats.
