SpaceX, Palantir Technologies (PLTR, Financial), and defense startup Anduril have reportedly emerged as top candidates to help build former President Donald Trump's proposed “Golden Dome” missile defense system, according to a Reuters report published Thursday.
Trump unveiled the plan in March, calling it a U.S. version of Israel's Iron Dome, a high-tech shield designed to intercept incoming missiles. The U.S. Department of Defense, including the Office of the Undersecretary for Acquisition and Sustainment, is coordinating efforts with partner agencies, according to the report.
The three companies have allegedly pitched their proposal in recent meetings with Trump administration officials and senior Pentagon leaders. The concept involves launching a network of 400 to over 1,000 satellites to detect missile threats, with a second phase deploying about 200 armed satellites to intercept them, Reuters said, citing multiple unnamed sources.
SpaceX has suggested offering the system under a "subscription model," where the government pays for access rather than owning the technology outright. The structure could accelerate the project by skirting some standard procurement hurdles, according to two sources.
The White House and all three companies declined to comment on the report.
About 180 companies have reportedly shown interest in contributing to the project.
