A warning was issued that the US's planned multi-layered Golden Dome missile shield could leave the country vulnerable to drone and cruise missile attacks if short-range threats are not adequately addressed.
The report, prepared by the Jewish Institute for National Security (JINSA) and titled "Missing Shield: Acquiring Israeli Air Defenses Makes Golden Dome Sustainable," argues that the current planning does not take sufficient measures against the most urgent threat of unmanned aerial vehicles.
The Most Urgent Threat: Drones
Report author Ari Cicurel stated that long-range systems are necessary, but the most frequently encountered threat is short-range projectiles and especially drones. Referring to drone flights repeatedly seen even in the skies of Washington D.C., Cicurel said, "This is the most common threat the US needs to address."
According to the report, Israeli-designed launchers are 58 to 88 percent cheaper than compared US systems. Interceptors are 19 to 97 percent lower cost, and radars are 32 to 87 percent cheaper. These savings could allow the Pentagon to deploy more batteries, increase stockpile depth, and continue to allocate resources to expensive space technologies.
Proposal to Integrate Israeli Systems
JINSA recommends integrating Iron Dome for short range, David's Sling for medium range, Arrow for ballistic missiles, and Iron Beam for low-cost laser interception into the lower layers of the Golden Dome shield.
Recalling that these systems were developed with Washington's financial contribution and that 102 American companies in 34 states are involved in production, Cicurel said, "We are essentially talking about finally using these systems developed with American taxpayer money in our own defense."
No Clear Response from Pentagon
The Pentagon spokesperson stated that Golden Dome is being developed dynamically against a wide range of threats from hypersonic missiles to unmanned systems. However, when asked about the purchase or integration of Iron Dome and other Israeli systems, the spokesperson said, "We have nothing new to announce at this time," and did not answer the question.
An analysis published in May by the US Congressional Budget Office (CBO) revealed that a national missile defense system in accordance with the Trump administration's executive order could cost approximately $1.2 trillion over 20 years.
The report also noted that recent conflicts with Iran exposed vulnerabilities such as rapid depletion of stockpiles despite high interception rates, strained production lines, and attacks on radars. Cicurel said, "Neither the US nor Israeli defense industrial bases were equipped to meet the production quantities needed by both countries."
Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu's visit to Washington is seen as a window of opportunity to elevate the integration of Israeli systems into Golden Dome on the bilateral defense agenda.
