US latest missile defense project, the Golden Dome, is raising international concern over a potential arms race in space. Designed to intercept missiles launched from anywhere on Earth, the system represents a significant leap in near-Earth orbital capabilities.
President Donald Trump unveiled the Golden Dome on May 20, calling it a “cutting-edge, layered defense” aimed at protecting the nation while asserting strategic dominance in space. The announcement comes amid a marked increase in the militarization of near-Earth orbit.
Data from the Union of Concerned Scientists indicates that the number of military satellites in orbit has risen by 35% over the past five years, with American assets accounting for more than half of this growing arsenal. Analysts say the expansion underscores how space is increasingly viewed as a critical domain for national security.
However, the project has sparked unease internationally. Experts warn that deploying advanced missile defense systems in orbit could provoke a cycle of military build-up, destabilizing global security. “When one country starts deploying missile defense systems in space, others perceive this as a direct threat and respond in kind,” said Dr. Joan Johnson-Freese, a professor at the US Naval War College.
Russia and China have voiced strong opposition. Both nations have historically advocated for the peaceful use of outer space, submitting a joint proposal to the Geneva Conference on Disarmament in 2008 calling for a ban on weapons in low-Earth orbit and measures to prevent the destruction of space objects.
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In a joint statement on May 8, 2025, Moscow and Beijing condemned the Golden Dome, accusing Washington of turning space into a theatre for armed confrontation. The statement reaffirmed their commitment to international security and the preservation of space as a peaceful domain.
The United Nations General Assembly has similarly expressed concern over the growing militarization of space, urging dialogue and arms control through the Conference on Disarmament. While most countries support Russia and China’s vision for a peaceful cosmos, the United States and its allies often priorities strategic advantage.
As the Golden Dome moves from concept to operational deployment, observers caution it may serve not only as a defensive shield but also as a geopolitical lever, reshaping the balance of power in orbit. Analysts say the coming years will test whether diplomacy can prevent space from becoming the next frontline of global conflict.
Africa Daily News, New York
