US missile shield draws in tech giants

US technology firms Anduril and Palantir are working together to develop software for the ‘Golden Dome’ missile shield championed by President Donald Trump, according to a Reuters source.

The project, estimated at around $185 billion, aims to create a space-based defence system capable of intercepting ballistic, cruise and hypersonic missiles.

Hundreds of companies have joined the programme, with Anduril and Palantir involved from the outset. According to earlier reports, they have also worked with Elon Musk’s SpaceX on selected elements of the project. Anduril has already secured smaller contracts to develop prototypes.

Other companies involved include Aalyria Technologies and Scale AI, while major contractors feature defence groups such as Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman. The programme’s budget has recently been increased by a further $10 billion.

(reuters, mja)