Defense contractors are private companies that produce weapons systems, technology platforms, surveillance tools, intelligence software, and logistical services for the military and federal government. They hold contracts worth billions of dollars annually and often employ former military and government officials. Because they depend on government contracts for revenue, defense contractors have a direct financial interest in the direction of military spending and policy. Palantir Technologies is one of the fastest-growing defense contractors in the United States, with contracts across ICE, the CIA, the Pentagon, CENTCOM, and more than 40 federal agencies. In fiscal year 2025, Palantir reported over $1.4 billion in quarterly revenue with 93% year-over-year growth in its U.S. government segment.