(NewsNation) — President Trump announced plans regarding the Golden Dome missile defense shield during a press conference on Tuesday.
The president announced that Canada also wants to be part of the project, which will be headed by the Vice Chief of Space Operations, United States Space Force General Michael Guetlein.
The dome is expected to include an array of satellites capable of detecting and even intercepting missiles. Trump said he believes it will be completed within two-and-a-half to three years.
The Golden Dome idea was inspired by Israel’s land-based Iron Dome defense shield that protects it from missiles and rockets. Trump’s Golden Dome is much more extensive and includes a massive array of surveillance satellites and a separate fleet of attacking satellites that would shoot down offensive missiles soon after liftoff.
“Once fully constructed, the Golden Dome will be capable of intercepting missiles even if they are launched from other sides of the world,” the president said.
Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth said the Golden Dome is a “game-changer” and a “generational investment in the security of America and Americans.”
Previously, the project’s funding was uncertain, but Trump said Tuesday the “one big beautiful bill” included $25 billion in funding for the Golden Dome.
“It’s amazing how easy this one is to fund,” Trump said of acquiring requisite funding from Congress.
Republican lawmakers had proposed a $25 billion initial investment for the Golden Dome. It is expected to cost $175 billion to construct.
“We’re the only ones that have this, we call it ‘super technology,’ nobody else has it, and nobody else has nearly, nowhere near what we have,” Trump said.
“So this is a very exciting project, this is something that will — the general said close to 100% protection — so that’s something we need.”
The president also added that “everything” for the dome will be built in the United States.
Reuters contributed to this story.