SpaceX may win $2 billion Pentagon deal for Golden Dome missile shield: 600 satellites; Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman and L3Harris in fray and more

SpaceX is poised to receive $2 billion in funding to develop a new generation of satellites capable of tracking missiles and aircraft as part of President Donald Trump’s “Golden Dome” defense initiative, according to a report by The Wall Street Journal (WSJ).

The funding, which was included in the tax-and-spending bill, called One Big Beautiful Bill Act, signed by Donald Trump in July, had not been publicly linked to a contractor until now, people familiar with the matter told the Journal. The planned “air moving target indicator” system could eventually consist of up to 600 satellites, the report said.The report said that the Elon Musk-led company is also expected to play a major role in two additional Pentagon satellite programs.

One network, known as Milnet, is designed to carry sensitive military communications, while another will deploy satellites capable of tracking ground vehicles, according to people briefed on the plans.The Journal noted that SpaceX’s growing involvement underscores its expanding influence in U.S. national security, as the company evolves from a commercial launch provider into a key defense partner. WSJ earlier reported that SpaceX, along with Anduril Industries and Palantir Technologies, had pitched proposals to help build Golden Dome’s infrastructure on an accelerated timeline.

Traditional defense giants such as Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, and L3Harris are also competing for roles in the massive missile program.SpaceX recently announced it has launched more than 10,000 satellites for its Starlink internet network, giving it the largest satellite fleet in history -- a track record that has bolstered its credentials with U.S. defense agencies seeking rapid deployment capabilities.

America's space-based missile defense system

Donald Trump's Golden Dome system is described as an advanced space-based missile defense system designed to integrate satellites and other cutting-edge technologies to intercept incoming threats before they reach their targets. In simple language, it is intended to strengthen U.S. defenses against missile attacks. Reports suggest that Pentagon officials are targeting the fourth quarter of 2028 to begin testing President Trump’s Golden Dome system.

As per an earlier report in CNN, defense experts say that Space-based missile defense technology offers key advantages, allowing the US to neutralize enemy missiles earlier in their flight path than current ground- or sea-based systems can. It can also overcome geographic limitations and intercept certain types of missiles at stages when they are slower and easier to destroy.