Palantir’s Mike Gallagher Says Tech Startups Are Key to DoD Overhaul

Mike Gallagher, former congressman turned Palantir Technologies Inc.’s head of defense, said the US Defense Department needs to overhaul its procurement process for a new era of modern warfare — and he’s stepping up efforts to seed startups that can help restore the country’s competitive edge.

Gallagher was famous as a China hawk during his time on the Hill, and for spearheading the legislation that could ban TikTok on national security grounds. Now, he leads Palantir’s global defense efforts, and says he is focused on helping the US and its allies prepare for a technological arms race with China, while preventing military conflict with the Asian country.