Can Donald Trump’s ‘Golden Dome’ ever take flight without Canada cooperation?

US President Donald Trump said Tuesday that Canada could join his proposed “Golden Dome” missile defense system for free — but only if it becomes part of the United States.

“I told Canada, which very much wants to be part of our fabulous Golden Dome System, that it will cost $61 Billion Dollars if they remain a separate, but unequal, Nation.
But (it) will cost ZERO DOLLARS if they become our cherished 51st State. They are considering the offer! ,” Trump posted on his Truth Social network.

There was no immediate response from Canada to Trump’s claims.

Can Donald Trump’s ‘Golden Dome’ ever take flight without Canada ?

Trump’s proposed “Golden Dome” missile defense system cannot be build without Canada primarily due to Canada’s strategic geographic location and its long-standing partnership in North American aerospace defense through NORAD (North American Aerospace Defense Command).

Here’s a breakdown of why Canada’s involvement is crucial:

Geographic Advantage for Early Warning: Canada’s vast northern airspace and Arctic territories provide a critical vantage point for detecting and tracking incoming missiles, particularly those launched from Russia or China over the North Pole. Placing radar systems and sensors further north in Canada dramatically increases the early warning capability for both the U.S. and Canada.

Existing NORAD Infrastructure and Cooperation: The U.S. and Canada have a decades-old joint air defense system in NORAD. This established infrastructure, shared intelligence, and integrated operations are fundamental to North American security. Expanding this system with “Golden Dome” capabilities would naturally leverage Canada’s existing contributions and infrastructure.

Airspace Control: Any comprehensive missile defense system for North America would need to operate seamlessly across Canadian airspace. Without Canada’s cooperation, the U.S. would face significant logistical and political hurdles in deploying and operating interceptors and sensors that rely on or pass through Canadian territory.

In essence, while the U.S. could theoretically try to build a system independently, it would be far less effective, more expensive, and technically challenging without the integral geographical and cooperative advantages that Canada provides through NORAD. The “Golden Dome” aims to be a multi-layered defense system, including space-based components, but its ground and air-based elements would heavily rely on North American integration.

Trump announced plans for the “Golden Dome” system a week ago, saying it would eventually cost around $175 billion and would be operational by the end of his term in 2029.

Also Read: How ‘Golden Dome Project’ could be a gamechanger?