India, May 13 -- US President Donald Trump's proposed "Golden Dome" missile defence system is projected to cost approximately $1.2 trillion (£882 billion) to develop, deploy, and operate over the next two decades, according to a report released by the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office.

The estimate is significantly higher than the initial projection of $175 billion (£129 billion).

"A national missile defence system possessing capabilities broadly consistent with those outlined in the executive order would cost about $1.2 trillion to develop, deploy, and operate for 20 years," the report stated, noting that all costs are expressed in 2026 dollars.

Of the total projected cost, acquisition expenses alone would exceed $1 tr...