Pyongyang: North Korea has strongly criticized US President Donald Trump's proposal to establish a 'Golden Dome' missile defense system, describing it as a "very dangerous and threatening initiative," according to state-run media reports on Tuesday.

According to Anadolu Agency, North Korea's Foreign Ministry issued a memorandum condemning Washington's plan. The memorandum suggests the initiative aims to threaten the strategic security of nuclear-armed states that the US perceives as hostile. Additionally, it accuses the US of using the plan to enhance the offensive military capabilities of its forces.

The statement from the Foreign Ministry claims that the US has been focused on militarizing outer space, arguing that dominance in space is key to future military victories. "The U.S. plan for building a new missile defense system is the root cause of sparking off a global nuclear and space arms race," the ministry stated, expressing concerns about the security implications for nuclear-armed nations and the potential for outer space to become a nuclear battlefield.

The memorandum further contends that the US aims to achieve military superiority by promoting its hegemonic ambitions under the guise of 'mainland defense.' It accuses the US of accelerating the militarization of outer space and preparing to launch military strikes against perceived adversaries. "This is the military strategic goal pursued by the U.S. and the main goal of the 'Golden Dome' project being prioritized by the present U.S. administration," the statement added.

Last week, President Trump announced that he had chosen the "architecture" for the 'Golden Dome' missile defense program, estimating its cost at $175 billion over the next three years. While specific details of the program remain limited, Trump mentioned plans to deploy next-generation technologies across land, sea, and space, with components such as space-based sensors and interceptors.