Russia Condemns Trump’s ‘Star Wars’ Missile Shield Plan, Warns of Space Arms Race
Russia has sharply criticized former U.S. President Donald Trump’s latest push to develop a space-based missile defense system, warning that it risks turning space into a battleground. The plan, dubbed an “Iron Dome for America,” revives aspects of the controversial 1980s “Star Wars” program initiated by President Ronald Reagan.
In an executive order signed on Monday, Trump directed the Pentagon to enhance America’s missile defense capabilities against modern threats, including ballistic and hypersonic missiles. The move signals Washington’s growing concerns over Russia and China’s advancements in missile technology, particularly Moscow’s hypersonic “Oreshnik” missile, which reportedly travels at speeds 10 times the speed of sound.
However, the Kremlin views the initiative as a direct provocation. Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova accused the U.S. of escalating tensions by attempting to weaponize space. “We see this as yet another confirmation of Washington’s intent to turn space into an arena of armed confrontation,” she said. “To put it mildly, these approaches will not contribute to reducing tensions.”
Zakharova went on to argue that the U.S. missile shield is primarily designed to undermine the nuclear deterrents of Russia and China, pushing global security into dangerous new territory. She compared the plan’s scale to Reagan’s original “Star Wars” program, calling it “odious” and warning of its destabilizing impact.
The concept of an “Iron Dome for America” takes inspiration from Israel’s highly effective Iron Dome defense system, which intercepts short-range rockets. However, experts point out that the threats facing the U.S. are vastly different, as American adversaries possess advanced intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) and hypersonic glide vehicles. Developing a nationwide missile shield capable of neutralizing such threats remains an enormous technical and financial challenge.
Moscow and Washington have long accused each other of militarizing space, with tensions rising after the U.S. alleged that Russia deployed a “space weapon” near an American satellite in 2023. The expiration of the New START treaty in 2026, which limits both nations’ nuclear arsenals, further complicates the situation. Without a replacement agreement, the arms race could accelerate, making future diplomatic negotiations even more challenging.
Russia has called for renewed discussions on arms control and space security, emphasizing the need for international agreements to prevent an unchecked military buildup in space. But with U.S.-Russia relations already at historic lows, the likelihood of meaningful cooperation remains uncertain.
As Washington moves forward with its missile defense ambitions, the world watches closely. Will this plan bolster U.S. security, or will it trigger a new, unpredictable era of global military competition? The answer may shape the future of international security for years to come.
