The ambitious air defense system that US President Donald Trump intends to build could cost the US more than $1 trillion over the next two decades, according to a report published by the Congressional Budget Office (CBO).
The independent American agency estimates that the project called "Golden Dome" could cost up to $1.2 trillion for equipment alone over the next 20 years.
According to the report, about two-thirds of the costs are expected to go to the space component of the system, including armed satellites and advanced missile defense technologies.
Trump unveiled the plan early in his second term, taking inspiration from Israel's Iron Dome system but with a much broader scope. The project aims to create a national shield capable of neutralizing not only short-range missiles, but also long-range ballistic missiles, hypersonic missiles and drones.
The US president's announcement signifies a major expansion of existing US missile defense capabilities on a national scale.
The Republican said last year that an initial $25 billion in funding had been secured, while the total cost of the project was estimated at around $175 billion. However, the latest CBO report suggests that the real figure could be many times higher.
The report is based on an executive order signed by Trump for the development of the new strategic air defense system.
