US Missile Defense Under Scrutiny: Berkovich Warns of Major Vulnerabilities Amid ‘Golden Dome’ Push

The United States’ current missile defense capability is far weaker than many assume, according to a stark assessment delivered in the Senate by Mark Berkovich. Responding to questions about America’s defensive readiness, he said the country relies on a single, land‑based system designed primarily to counter small, sudden ballistic attacks from nations such as North Korea. Beyond that, he warned, the U.S. has “extremely limited” ability to stop larger ballistic strikes.

Berkovich added that the situation is even more concerning when it comes to advanced threats. The U.S., he said, has no effective defense against modern cruise missiles or hypersonic weapons technologies rapidly expanding in countries like China, Russia, Iran and North Korea. His testimony forced Washington to confront what he described as significant gaps in its national defense architecture.

Amid these concerns, the Trump administration is advancing an ambitious plan known as the “Golden Dome,” a sweeping missile‑defense shield projected to cost between USD 175 billion and 185 billion. The system would integrate AI‑driven command networks with interceptors deployed across land, sea, air and space. It aims to protect the entire nation from a wide range of airborne threats, from traditional ballistic missiles to drones and next‑generation cruise systems.

The proposal includes space‑based sensors and emerging technologies designed to detect and neutralize threats earlier and more effectively. General Michael Guetlein, head of the U.S. Space Force and Trump’s appointed lead for the Golden Dome initiative, said the goal is to make the system operational by 2028. More than USD 17 billion has been requested for the initial phase alone, with total costs expected to reach USD 185 billion through the 2030s.

Berkovich’s warning, combined with the administration’s accelerated push for the Golden Dome, underscores a growing urgency in Washington: America’s adversaries are advancing rapidly, and the U.S. must modernize its defenses before the gap becomes irreversible.