The United States Department of Defense has reportedly signed agreements with seven major technology companies to integrate artificial intelligence into secret military computer networks, marking a significant expansion of the use of AI in US defense operations.
The deals reportedly involve Google, Microsoft, Amazon Web Services, Nvidia, OpenAI, Reflection and SpaceX.
According to the Pentagon, the partnerships are intended to “enhance warfighter decision-making in complex operational environments.”
The Pentagon is pushing for rapid adoption of AI
The Department of Defense has accelerated its use of artificial intelligence in recent years, citing its ability to speed battlefield decision-making, improve logistics and help with weapons maintenance.
Officials said military personnel are already using AI tools through the Pentagon’s GenAI.mil platform.
“Soldiers, civilians and contractors are putting these capabilities to practical use right now, cutting many tasks from months to days,” the Pentagon said, according to an AP report.
The ministry added that expanding AI capabilities “will give warfighters the tools they need to act with confidence and protect the nation from any threat.”
Anthropic left out amid legal dispute
Conspicuously absent from the Pentagon’s new deals is Anthropic, which has been embroiled in a public dispute and legal battle with Donald Trump’s administration over the military use of AI.
Antropic reportedly sought contractual safeguards that would prevent its technology from being used in fully autonomous weapons systems or domestic surveillance of Americans.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth reportedly rejected the terms, insisting the Pentagon retained authority for any use deemed lawful.
Anthropic later filed suit after Trump tried to block federal agencies from using the company’s Claude chatbot and after the Pentagon considered designating the company a supply chain risk.
OpenAI expands the role of the Pentagon
OpenAI confirmed Friday’s announcement formalized the deal first revealed in March, effectively replacing Anthropic’s role in classified AI environments.
“As we said when we first announced our agreement a few months ago, we believe that the people defending the United States should have the best tools in the world,” OpenAI said in a statement.
The company previously said its agreement with the Pentagon included safeguards requiring human oversight in some AI-assisted operations.
Concerns about autonomous warfare and privacy
The Pentagon’s growing use of AI has intensified the debate over ethics, privacy and autonomous weapons.
Critics warn that artificial intelligence systems could eventually be used to select targets on the battlefield or to extend surveillance capabilities.
One agreement reportedly includes language requiring human supervision whenever AI systems act autonomously or semi-autonomously. The same agreement also states that AI tools must operate in a manner consistent with constitutional rights and civil liberties.
The conflict in Gaza has prompted scrutiny
Concerns about the military use of AI gained attention during Israel’s wars in Gaza and Lebanon, where US technology firms reportedly provided AI-powered systems used to track targets.
The conflicts, which have resulted in high civilian casualties, have drawn criticism that AI-assisted warfare may contribute to the deaths of innocent people.
AI rights advocates and ethicists have repeatedly called for stronger international safeguards covering military applications of artificial intelligence.
New players are entering the Pentagon’s AI ecosystem
While companies such as Amazon and Microsoft have long worked with the military in covert terms, others, including Nvidia and Reflection, are newer participants in Pentagon projects.
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