A version of this story appeared in the daily Threat Status newsletter from The Washington Times. Click here to receive Threat Status delivered directly to your inbox each weekday.
OPINION:
Twice last year, Iran and its proxies launched potentially devastating aerial attacks on Israel and U.S. forces in the Middle East. Wave after wave of ballistic missiles, attack drones and cruise missiles screamed toward Israeli cities, targeting civilians and military sites alike. In the larger attack, nearly 200 missiles and drones were fired at Israel. In the largest air assault in modern history, almost none reached their targets.
Israel’s Iron Dome investment – with U.S. military, financial and technical assistance – prevented incalculable loss at the hands of hostile groups.
A nationwide system of short— and long-range anti-missile systems, reinforced by in-region U.S. and allied militaries’ ships, aircraft and missile defense systems, neutralized a barrage of incoming fire. And nearly every system used that day was developed by American engineers and built by American labor in factories across the United States.
Defense experts agree that aerial threats to the homeland are growing. In response, Mr. Trump has boldly proposed investing in a Golden Dome to protect our nation in an increasingly hostile world.
An all-of-industry approach to building a layered, integrated air- and missile-defense shield is eminently possible by 2030. The resulting system will be flexible, deployable and capable of defending against ballistic missiles, hypersonic weapons, cruise missiles, advanced airborne threats and drones.
To protect American citizens from the same threats our forces and allies today face overseas, there are immediate actions we can take to kick-start this vision. At the same time, U.S. companies invest in and build the next generation of technologies needed to stay ahead of America’s adversaries.
Systems like the ones used to protect Israel from Iran and Ukraine from Russia are tested and battle-proven. This combination of the most advanced radar and interceptor systems supplemented by ship-based and aircraft defenses could lay the foundation of the Golden Dome for America today to meet the president’s phase 1 goal of 2026.
The U.S. technology and aerospace industries are the best in the world at developing defense capabilities, and we’re only getting better as new technology companies enter the market. Systems developed in America and built by American labor with technologies that rely on American-made AI and satellites launched on American rockets are the systems that will protect future generations. Quick and decisive action to strategically deploy existing inventory to safeguard our critical infrastructure could serve as a catalyst to accelerate enhancing protection for our homeland.
President Trump’s Golden Dome vision will require both existing and new technologies, along with expanded manufacturing capacity. This generational investment will ensure continued U.S. military dominance and ensure our nation’s safety in an increasingly complex world. America is at its best working together to protect our nation and our allies.
• Phil Jasper is the president of Raytheon, an RTX business.
Please read our comment policy before commenting.