US military signs deals with 7 firms for AI defence use

The Pentagon is viewed from Air Force One during a flight over Washington on March 2, 2022.

The United States military has signed agreements with seven major technology companies to integrate artificial intelligence systems into classified defence networks, expanding the use of AI in military operations and decision-making.

The Pentagon announced on Friday that the agreements involve Google, Microsoft, Amazon Web Services, Nvidia, OpenAI, Reflection, and SpaceX. The companies will support efforts to “augment warfighter decision-making in complex operational environments,” according to the Defence Department.

Officials said the move is part of a rapid expansion of AI capabilities within the military. AI systems are being used to speed up target identification, support battlefield operations, and improve logistics, including weapons maintenance and supply chain management.

A March report by the Brennan Center for Justice noted that these tools could significantly enhance operational efficiency but also raise concerns about oversight and accountability.

Some of the agreements reportedly include requirements for human supervision in sensitive operations, amid concerns over privacy risks and the possibility of autonomous targeting.

The use of AI in warfare has drawn global scrutiny, particularly following its reported role in military operations in Gaza and Lebanon, where questions have been raised over civilian harm linked to advanced surveillance and targeting systems.

Notably, Anthropic is not part of the agreements following reported disagreements over military use and AI safety concerns. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth said all applications of the technology must remain lawful.

OpenAI confirmed its participation in the Pentagon deal. Officials said working with multiple companies helps avoid dependence on a single provider and improves system resilience.

Separately, military personnel are already using AI tools through platforms such as GenAI.mil to streamline administrative and operational tasks, reducing processes that once took months to just days.

Experts, however, continue to warn about “automation bias,” stressing the need for strong human oversight as reliance on AI systems increases in defence operations.