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SpaceX and xAI Vie for $100M Pentagon Drone Prize

2/17/2026

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Story summary
  • SpaceX and its xAI subsidiary compete in a Pentagon contest to develop voice-controlled drone swarming, per Bloomberg News.
  • The competition began in January with a $100 million prize to translate voice commands into drone operations.
  • SpaceX recently acquired xAI, strengthening capabilities ahead of a planned IPO.
  • The U.S. Defense Secretary emphasizes rapid drone development to address safety at airports and large events.
  • OpenAI and Google pursue similar contracts.