OpenAI actively pursuing classified deal with Pentagon to deploy its AI models in military environments

OpenAI is actively pursuing a classified deal with the Pentagon to deploy its AI models in military environments after rival Anthropic refused to meet Defense Department requirements.

CEO Sam Altman confirmed the negotiations in an internal note to staff Thursday evening.

“We are going to see if there is a deal with the DoW that allows our models to be deployed in classified environments and that fits with our principles,” Altman wrote.

The push directly aims to capitalize on Anthropic’s shortcomings. Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei rejected Pentagon demands that its technology be available for “all lawful uses.”

Anthropic specifically blocked applications involving mass domestic surveillance and autonomous offensive weapons.

Altman proposed maintaining control through technical means. The potential contract would limit usage to cloud deployments only, barring edge cases such as fully autonomous lethal systems.

“We would also build technical safeguards and deploy personnel to partner with the government to ensure things are working correctly,” he added.

Altman stated the company hopes to help de-escalate tensions between AI labs and the military.

Pentagon Undersecretary Emil Michael countered Anthropic’s position sharply.

He declared mass surveillance is already illegal under the Fourth Amendment and the Department of Defense will not allow big tech companies to decide Americans’ civil liberties.

No final agreement has been reached and the talks could still collapse.

OpenAI’s aggressive outreach signals its determination to become the leading AI provider for classified U.S. military operations.