SpaceX Leads Bid for Trump's $10B 'Golden Dome' Missile Defense Project in Washington

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Elon Musk's SpaceX has emerged as a frontrunner in the bid to construct a crucial component of President Donald Trump's 'Golden Dome' missile defense shield, according to six sources familiar with the matter [1][2][3]. The project, estimated to be worth $10 billion, has attracted significant attention from the technology sector's growing defense startup community.

SpaceX is reportedly partnering with software developer Palantir and drone manufacturer Anduril to propose key elements of the Golden Dome system [1][2]. The consortium is pitching an innovative 'subscription model' for missile defense to the Pentagon, sources revealed [1].

The proposed plan includes a constellation of 400 to over 1,000 missile defense satellites, marking a significant shift in traditional defense procurement strategies [1]. This approach aligns with President Trump's January 27 executive order, which identified missile attacks as 'the most catastrophic threat facing the United States' [1][2].

While the SpaceX-led group appears to be in a strong position, sources emphasized that the selection process is ongoing [3]. The Pentagon is still evaluating various proposals, and no final decision has been made.

The involvement of SpaceX, Palantir, and Anduril in this high-profile defense project underscores the growing intersection of Silicon Valley technology and national security interests. All three companies were founded by entrepreneurs who have been significant political supporters of President Trump [2].

As the bidding process continues, questions remain about the project's timeline, total cost, and potential impact on international relations. The development of such an advanced missile defense system could have far-reaching implications for global strategic balance and arms control agreements.

The Pentagon and the companies involved have not yet provided official comments on the ongoing selection process.