In an order called an Iron Dome for America, US President Trump called for a multilayer missile defence system capable of countering an array of threats to America.
The executive order directs the implementation of a next-generation missile defense shield for the US against ballistic, hypersonic, advanced cruise missiles, and other next-generation aerial attacks.
The order met with sharp criticism from Russia which said Trump's backing of the weapons development programme is a confirmation of the US focus on turning space into an arena of armed confrontation and the deployment of weapons there.
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Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said the move by the US undermines the ability of Russia and China to exercise nuclear deterrence.
"It (the plan) directly envisages a significant strengthening of the American nuclear arsenal and means for conducting combat operations in space, including the development and deployment of space-based interception systems," Zakharova was quoted as saying.
She warned that the plan of Trump would not contribute to reducing tensions or improving the state of affairs in the strategic sphere, including the creation of a basis for a fruitful dialogue on strategic offensive arms.
