President Donald Trump's proposed "Golden Dome" defence system is a plan that will face mammoth technical and financial hurdles, and could increase global insecurity, experts say.

Trump announced plans for the space-based system last month, saying it would eventually cost around $175 billion and would be operational by the end of his term in 2029.

The planned defence shield's name is a nod to Israel's Iron Dome that has intercepted thousands of short-range rockets since 2011.

But the US defence system would intercept much bigger intercontinental threats.

The plan comes after a 2022 Department of defence study pointed to advances by China and Russia.

Beijing is closing the gap with Washington when it comes to ballistic and hypersonic missile technology, while Moscow is modernising its intercontinental-range missile systems and developing advanced precision strike missiles, it said.

Trump has claimed the "Golden Dome" will be "capable of intercepting missiles even if they are launched from other sides of the world".

But analysts are sceptical.

"I'm not holding my breath," said Thomas Withington, an associate........

© International Business Times