Elon Musk denies reports of SpaceX building ‘Golden Dome’ missile defence system for US

SpaceX CEO Elon Musk has denied reports that his rocket company is currently providing technology for the proposed Golden Dome missile system for the US. However, Musk stated that SpaceX would be open to assisting if suggested by President Donald Trump. Musk's clarification came after a Reuters report claimed that SpaceX, in partnership with two other firms, was a frontrunner for a significant role in developing the Golden Dome missile defence shield, which is reportedly considered a key part of Trump's national security vision.


In a post shared on social media platform X (earlier Twitter), Musk wrote:

According to sources cited in the report, the companies had pitched a plan that involved building and launching between 400 and over 1,000 satellites into Earth's orbit. These satellites would be used for real-time detection and tracking of missiles.
Reuters further reported on details from the pitch that included a separate fleet of 200 attack satellites equipped with either missiles or lasers intended to intercept enemy missiles.
SpaceX has reportedly suggested an alternative approach. Instead of the government buying and fully owning the technology, the company may retain ownership under this plan, with the government paying a subscription fee to access and use it, the report continued.
The Golden Dome missile shield is a defence system intended to counter incoming threats, especially long-range missiles. It is expected to function similarly to Israel's Iron Dome, which is built to detect and intercept short-range rockets.