WASHINGTON (TNND) — President Donald Trump announced plans for a "Golden Dome" missile defense system, modeled after Israel's Iron Dome, to be operational by the end of his term in 2029. The ambitious project aims to protect the United States from enemy missiles with a high-tech shield.

How does Israel's Iron Dome work?

Israel's Iron Dome, a mobile defense system, consists of about 10 batteries, each with three to four missile launchers. Despite the high cost of $40,000 to $50,000 per missile, the system boasts a success rate of over 90%, according to CNN. Each battery can cover up to 60 square miles, protecting densely populated areas.

Would it work the same way in the U.S.?

However, implementing a similar system in the U.S. presents significant challenges. Israel is about the size of New Jersey, making nationwide coverage impractical. Experts suggest that a full system could take seven to ten years to develop and would likely only cover major cities and federal sites.

How much would the Golden Dome cost?

President Trump estimated the cost of the Golden Dome at $175 billion, with $25 billion allocated from his spending cut and tax bill. General Michael A. Guetlein, Vice Chief of Space Operations at the United States Space Force, is set to lead the program.

The Department of Defense has developed a draft architecture and implementation plan for the system, which aims to create a layered missile defense capable of intercepting ballistic missiles, hypersonic weapons, and drones. Some components may even involve space-based weapons. According to DOD Secretary Pete Hegseth:

The Golden Dome will progressively protect our nation from aerial attacks from any foe. Within the last four decades, our adversaries have developed more advanced and lethal long-range weapons than ever before, including ballistic, hypersonic, and cruise missiles capable of striking the homeland with either conventional or nuclear warheads.

While defense analysts acknowledge the technical feasibility of the Golden Dome, they caution that the project will be expensive and complex. Congressional approval is required for funding, and the timeline for completion remains uncertain.