Pentagon strikes classified AI deals with OpenAI, Google, and Nvidia — but not Anthropic

The Pentagon has secured classified AI agreements with OpenAI, Google, Microsoft, Amazon, Nvidia, xAI, and Reflection, while deliberately excluding Anthropic due to supply-chain risk concerns—a significant shift that reflects divergent approaches to AI governance in defense applications. This consolidation of government AI contracts around vendors willing to support 'lawful operational use' without ethical constraints signals a strategic preference for AI systems aligned with broader military objectives, potentially creating competitive disadvantages for vendors with restrictive AI safety guardrails. IT leaders should recognize this as a bellwether for how government procurement priorities are reshaping the AI vendor landscape and may influence enterprise security policies, regulatory expectations, and the commercial viability of ethically-constrained AI platforms.

Emma RothThe VergeMay 1, 20262 min read

The Pentagon has struck deals with OpenAI, Google, Microsoft, Amazon, Nvidia, Elon Musk's xAI, and the startup Reflection, allowing the agency to use their AI tools in classified settings, according to an announcement on Friday. At the same time, the Defense Department has left out Anthropic - which it previously used for classified information - after declaring it a supply-chain risk. This builds upon deals with OpenAI and xAI, which have already reached agreements with the Pentagon for the "lawful" use of their AI systems. A report from The Information suggests Google has struck a similar agreement. As noted by The Wall Street Journal, Mi … Read the full story at The Verge.