Marketplace All-in-One A golden opportunity for tech defense firms
Sep 23, 2025
Sheera Frenkel, a New York Times reporter who covers technology, explores the intense competition among tech firms to construct the Golden Dome missile-defense system. With potentially trillions at stake, she discusses the ambitious scope and complexity of the project. Frenkel highlights the unproven technology involved and the diverse players, from established defense contractors to innovative startups. She also sheds light on the technical challenges, including the pivotal role of AI in achieving accurate tracking and targeting.
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Multi-Layered Defense Ambition
- The Golden Dome aims to layer existing ground defenses with space-based interception for extreme threats like ICBMs.
- Building a functioning space-based layer requires new capabilities that are largely unproven today.
Massive Private-Sector Involvement
- Hundreds of tech companies are pitching hardware and software, from drones to space buses, to join the project.
- Private firms must integrate with the Pentagon and each other to assemble a cohesive system.
Old Primes And New Entrants
- Both legacy defense primes and new tech firms will play distinct roles; primes likely build missiles and ground systems.
- New entrants have a rare chance to join a high-profile, decade-long flagship project.