North Korea has condemned the United States's intentions to develop a futuristic "Golden Dome" missile defense system, claiming it could provoke an arms race in outer space. The regime views the US initiative as a significant threat to its nuclear capabilities and aligns itself with China, which also criticizes the project.
North Korea Warns of 'Space Nuclear War' Amid US Defense Plans
North Korea Warns of 'Space Nuclear War' Amid US Defense Plans
The US's proposed "Golden Dome" missile defense system faces backlash from North Korea, which labels it a threat to global security.
North Korea has issued a sharp rebuke against the United States over its plans for a next-generation missile defense system, known as the "Golden Dome." The North labels this initiative as a potential catalyst for "space nuclear war," alleging that it could significantly escalate global military tensions and spur an arms race in outer space.
President Donald Trump is expected to unveil this missile shield by the end of his term, which aims to address advanced aerial threats posed by ballistic and cruise missiles. This has drawn ire from Pyongyang, where officials describe the US as "self-righteous" and "arrogant," accusing it of pursuing a policy that "militarizes outer space." Furthermore, they warn that the Golden Dome could ignite a "global nuclear and space arms race."
Analysts suggest that North Korea perceives the Golden Dome as a direct threat—one that jeopardizes its nuclear arsenal’s effectiveness. According to Hong Min from the Korea Institute for National Unification, the successful completion of this US missile defense program would compel North Korea to strategize alternative defensive measures.
In recent years, North Korea has reaffirmed its nuclear capabilities and conducted multiple missile tests aimed at enhancing its offensive capabilities. Earlier this year, it claimed to have launched an intermediate-range ballistic missile equipped with a hypersonic warhead.
China has also weighed in on the issue, expressing "serious concerns" about the implications of the Golden Dome, which they argue could undermine global strategic stability. China's foreign ministry criticized the US's "US-first" policy, asserting that it threatens the principle of collective security.
While many analysts concur that the US needs to modernize its defense mechanisms, they caution that the Golden Dome's development may be met with significant technical and political hurdles. The projected cost could be a major issue; the US has allocated an initial budget of $25 billion, with estimates suggesting final expenses may soar up to 20 times that figure over the years.
