Pete Hegseth’s first day at the office.
Photo: AP
Secretary of Defense pete hegseth On Monday, the Pentagon said it would seek a U.S. missile defense system similar to the Iron Dome. The New York Post claims the lawsuit meets a campaign pledge by former President Donald Trump.
On his first day as secretary of defense, Hegseth gave reporters an overview of the administration’s biggest goals. He confirmed that Trump will soon issue a number of executive orders. Already in total 78 people, one of whom will begin the creation of a US missile defense system similar to Israel’s Iron Dome.
“More executive orders are coming today,” Hegs said the post quoted. “These include eliminating the DEI program at the Pentagon, reviving the military around community duty, and developing America’s Iron Dome. This is happening quickly.”
Israel’s air defense system, known as the Iron Dome, is well known for its ability to intercept and destroy incoming missiles. During the ongoing Middle East conflict, losses from rocket attacks by Iran, Hamas, Hezbollah, and other factions have reduced losses by approximately 90%.
Iron Dome Achievements
Since its first deployment in 2011, Iron Dome has played a vital role in protecting Israeli citizens from missile attacks. Rafael Advanced Defense Systems has created a system that uses sophisticated radars and interceptors to neutralize airborne projectiles. Because of its success, it has become a global model for missile defense.
But replicating its effectiveness in the United States is fraught with difficulties. The United States’ vast size makes it more difficult to deploy, while Israel’s small size allows it to effectively cover strategic locations. Experts wonder if such a method would provide comparable results in countries with large borders and varied terrain, the post said.
American alternatives and adaptations
The Skyhunter system was created by Raytheon, a top US defense contractor. It could be adapted from the Iron Dome and produced domestically to meet the defense requirements of the United States and its allies. Raphael also suggests the possibility of expanding the iron dome technology to cover more ground.
According to the New York Post, the Republican Party’s 2024 campaign platform focuses on the need for a missile defense shield in the United States. The party pledged to invest in cutting-edge technology, modernize the military, and strengthen the military’s situation, including increasing compensation. Removing suspected leftist influence from defense institutions was another priority of the program. “Republicans will ensure that our military is the most modern, lethal and powerful force in the world,” campaign documents said, as quoted by the Post. It emphasized the need for a missile defense shield to strengthen national security.
Feasibility questions
Despite the excitement, there are still financial and logistical hurdles. According to the post, covering a country the size of the United States requires a lot of infrastructure and money. The cost-effectiveness and compatibility of the system with current military frameworks are questioned by defense analysts.
A domestic iron dome could provide significant protection against new missile threats, according to supporters of the possibility. Critics warn that its applicability in the United States may be limited by disparities in location, risk levels, and operational requirements. The project’s budget and schedule have not been made public by Pentagon. However, Hegseth’s remarks imply that the next administration will begin development initiatives now.
