SEOUL, May 28 — North Korea has strongly criticised the United States’ proposed “Golden Dome” missile defence system, calling it a “very dangerous” initiative that threatens global stability and risks militarising outer space, state media reported on Tuesday.
In a memorandum released by Pyongyang’s foreign ministry, the missile shield — recently announced by former U.S. President Donald Trump — was described as a provocative move designed to intimidate nuclear-armed nations. The Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) cited the ministry as saying the system aims to “spark a global nuclear and space arms race” by undermining strategic security and turning outer space into a “potential nuclear war field.”
“The U.S. is hell-bent on militarising outer space,” the memorandum said, accusing Washington of triggering insecurity among nuclear powers with its advanced missile defence agenda.
Trump unveiled initial details and funding plans for the Golden Dome system last week, calling it “very important for the success and even survival of our country.” The plan is modelled in part on Israel’s Iron Dome air defence system, which has intercepted thousands of rockets since its deployment in 2011. However, the U.S. system is expected to address a broader range of missile threats, including long-range ballistic and hypersonic weapons.
North Korea’s reaction follows increased U.S. military deployments in the region, including aircraft carriers and nuclear-powered submarines, as part of joint exercises with South Korea aimed at deterring Pyongyang’s weapons development. North Korea, which has declared itself an “irreversible” nuclear weapons state, frequently denounces such drills as rehearsals for invasion.
China has also voiced concerns over the Golden Dome plan, warning that it could destabilise global strategic balances. Russia, while initially critical, said the initiative would likely require consultations but acknowledged it as a sovereign matter for the United States.
According to a 2022 Pentagon review, both China and Russia are advancing their strategic weapons capabilities, with Beijing narrowing the gap with Washington in hypersonic missile technology, and Moscow upgrading its intercontinental and precision-strike systems.
Analysts have warned that the Golden Dome project could face substantial technical, political, and financial challenges, with its broad scope requiring significant investment and international diplomacy.
North Korea’s latest remarks highlight growing concerns over an emerging arms race that extends beyond Earth’s atmosphere, underscoring tensions between global powers over the future of security in both space and on the ground.
