Artificial intelligence firm OpenAI has reached an agreement to deploy its AI models within the classified network of the US Department of Defense, CEO Sam Altman announced on Saturday.
The development comes amid an ongoing dispute between the Pentagon and rival AI startup Anthropic, centering on the use of advanced AI systems in military applications.
Safeguards and Core Principles
In a post shared on X, Altman said OpenAI would implement technical safeguards to ensure that its AI systems operating within the defense network “behave as they should.” He emphasized that the company’s guiding principles include prohibitions on domestic mass surveillance and maintaining human responsibility in decisions involving the use of force.
According to Altman, the United States Department of Defense agreed to these principles as part of the arrangement.
Background: Pentagon and Anthropic Tensions
The deal comes at a time of heightened tensions between the Pentagon and Anthropic. Reports indicate that Anthropic declined to allow its AI tools to be used for fully autonomous weapons systems and domestic mass surveillance.
The dispute escalated after the Pentagon reportedly designated Anthropic as a “supply chain risk.” Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump publicly criticized the company, describing it as a “radical left, woke” firm and asserting that private companies should not dictate the operational framework of the US military.
Growing Role of AI in Defense
The agreement signals a significant step in the expanding role of artificial intelligence within national security infrastructure. As global competition in AI intensifies, partnerships between technology firms and defense agencies are increasingly shaping the future of military modernization.
