The “Golden Dome” is a proposed, large-scale missile defense system announced by President Donald Trump to shield the U.S. from advanced missile threats, including ballistic, hypersonic, and cruise missiles.

The project draws conceptual inspiration from Israel’s Iron Dome but is designed to be far more expansive, aiming to protect the entire U.S. homeland and potentially its allies (including Canada).

“The Golden Dome will be capable of intercepting missiles even if they are launched from other sides of the world and even if they are launched from space,” the president said, adding that he wants it to be operational before his term ends.

The concept includes both ground- and space-based capabilities that would defend against missiles by: detecting and destroying them ahead of launch, intercepting them early in flight, halting them midcourse and stopping them in the last few moments of approaching a target.