North Korea has strongly condemned the United States' proposed "Golden Dome" missile defence system, warning that it could escalate tensions into a "nuclear war field" in outer space.

The advanced missile shield, championed by former President Donald Trump and expected to be unveiled by the end of his term, is designed to defend against emerging aerial threats, including ballistic and cruise missiles.

In a statement carried by state media, North Korea's foreign ministry denounced the plan as "the height of self-righteousness and arrogance," accusing Washington of pushing to militarise space. It warned the system could ignite a global nuclear and space arms race.

"The US is hell-bent on turning outer space into a battlefield, threatening global peace and stability," the statement read.

North Korea has long regarded the United States as a hostile power, frequently criticizing its joint military exercises with South Korea. Experts believe Pyongyang sees the Golden Dome as a direct threat to its nuclear deterrence.

"If this defence system is fully realized, it could seriously undermine the North's strategic capabilities," said Hong Min, a senior analyst at the Korea Institute for National Unification. "In response, Pyongyang may be compelled to develop new technologies to evade or neutralize it."

In 2022, North Korea enshrined its status as a nuclear-armed state in law and has since conducted multiple tests of ballistic and cruise missiles. Earlier this year, it claimed to have launched a hypersonic warhead-equipped missile designed to deter regional adversaries.

China has also voiced opposition to the US missile shield. Beijing recently expressed "serious concern" over the Golden Dome, calling it a move with "strong offensive implications."

"The US's pursuit of absolute security through a 'US-first' policy undermines the principle of mutual security and destabilizes global strategic equilibrium," said a spokesperson from China's foreign ministry.

While many defence experts agree that the US needs to modernize its missile defence systems, the Golden Dome initiative faces significant hurdles. Critics warn of steep technical challenges and political resistance, particularly due to its massive projected cost.

Although the current US budget allocates $25 billion (£18.7 billion) to the program, some estimates suggest the total cost could soar to as much as 20 times that amount over the coming decades.

As debate continues, the Golden Dome project remains a flashpoint in the increasingly complex web of global military and strategic dynamics.