Pentagon signs classified AI deals with OpenAI, Google, and Nvidia
the pentagon signed classified ai agreements with openai, google, microsoft, amazon, nvidia, xai, and reflection. these deals permit lawful operational use to create an ai-first fighting force. anthropic was excluded as a supply-chain risk after refusing to loosen red lines on autonomous weapons and surveillance, despite a previous $200 million deal.
The Defense Department secured contracts allowing seven companies—OpenAI, Google, Microsoft, Amazon, Nvidia, xAI, and Reflection—to provide AI tools for classified military use. Defense Department CTO Emil Michael stated these agreements aim to establish an 'AI-first fighting force.' The contracts formalize recent 'lawful use' understandings with OpenAI and xAI, while Google reportedly finalized a similar deal through a separate report.
Anthropic was excluded from these agreements and labeled a supply-chain risk. This follows a dispute where Anthropic rejected terms regarding mass domestic surveillance and fully autonomous weapons. Despite holding a previous $200 million contract for classified work, Anthropic sued the federal government and secured a temporary injunction.