Anduril and Palantir Technologies are collaborating to create software for the Golden Dome missile defense program, according to a source familiar with the matter. The initiative, now funded at $185 billion, aims to field a space-based shield designed to intercept ballistic, cruise and hypersonic missiles.
The Golden Dome project has attracted competition from hundreds of companies seeking participation in various elements of the program. Industry heavyweight contractors have already entered as prime partners, and a range of smaller technology firms are also developing components and prototypes.
Among firms already tied to the program are Lockheed Martin, RTX and Northrop Grumman, which joined the effort as prime contractors. The program’s budget was increased by $10 billion to reach $185 billion in an effort to accelerate critical space-based capabilities, the program’s director said last week.
Anduril and Palantir have shown interest in Golden Dome since the program’s earliest stages. Anduril was one of several companies awarded multiple small contracts in November to build competing missile defense prototypes. In addition to Anduril and Palantir, the source identified Aalyria Technologies, startup Scale AI and software firm Swoop Technologies as other participants working on the program.
The Golden Dome initiative targets a layered, space-enabled approach that would seek to detect and intercept a range of missile threats, spanning traditional ballistic weapons through cruise missiles and emerging hypersonic systems. The scale of the program - reflected in the $185 billion budget - has drawn both established defense primes and newer technology companies to competing for roles in software, sensing, integration and prototype demonstrations.
The companies named have not provided responses to requests for comment at the time the source described their involvement. The source indicated ongoing collaboration among a mix of established primes and smaller firms focused on software and prototype systems development.
Context and implications
The involvement of both large defense contractors and technology-focused newcomers highlights the program’s dual emphasis on hardware platforms and advanced software for detection, command and control. The recent $10 billion budget increase was described by program leadership as intended to speed deployment of key space-based capabilities.
Information regarding which specific software components each firm will deliver was not provided by the source.