NEW YORK: The US Department of Defense has announced agreements with seven major technology companies to integrate artificial intelligence tools into its classified systems, marking a significant expansion of its AI capabilities.
The companies involved include SpaceX, OpenAI, Google, Microsoft, Nvidia, Amazon Web Services and Reflection. The Pentagon said the new partnerships will support “lawful operational use” and help transform the military into an “AI-first fighting force,” enhancing decision-making across modern warfare domains.
Notably absent from the deals is Anthropic, whose AI model had previously been the only system operating within the Pentagon’s classified networks.
The company has been sidelined following disagreements with the US administration over safety conditions related to the military use of AI.
Anthropic had insisted on incorporating stricter safeguards, particularly regarding the deployment of AI in areas such as autonomous weapons and surveillance.
However, the administration rejected these conditions, leading to a breakdown in cooperation. The Pentagon subsequently labelled Anthropic a “supply chain risk,” effectively excluding it from further government contracts.
Rapidly evolving technological landscape
The decision comes amid intense competition among tech firms seeking access to defence funding, especially after significant allocations for AI and cyber operations were included in recent legislation.
Despite the dispute, discussions between the government and Anthropic have resumed in recent weeks after the company unveiled new technological developments, including its Mythos system designed to detect cybersecurity threats.
The Pentagon also highlighted growing adoption of its GenAI.mil platform, noting that more than 1.3 million personnel have used the service.
The move underscores the increasing role of artificial intelligence in defence strategy, as governments and tech companies deepen collaboration to advance capabilities in a rapidly evolving technological landscape.
