OpenAI strikes deal with Pentagon to use tech in ‘classified network’

February 28, 2026 - 23:34

In a significant policy shift, OpenAI has announced a new collaboration with the U.S. Department of Defense, including work on its classified networks. The artificial intelligence company, known for its ChatGPT platform, will now develop cybersecurity tools and other applications for sensitive government systems under this agreement.

This move marks a notable departure from OpenAI’s previous ban on providing its AI for military purposes. The company has clarified that its updated usage policies now permit partnerships with government entities like the Pentagon, provided the work aligns with national security objectives.

Addressing potential ethical concerns, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman emphasized specific boundaries for the technology’s application. He publicly stated that his company’s AI models will not be used by the United States for what he termed 'domestic mass surveillance' or for the development of 'autonomous weapons.' The statement aims to draw a line between supportive cybersecurity and intelligence analysis tools and more controversial military applications.

The partnership underscores the growing integration of cutting-edge commercial AI into the core of U.S. defense infrastructure. Experts suggest this collaboration could accelerate the development of advanced systems for threat detection and data analysis within secure government environments, while simultaneously fueling an ongoing global debate on the ethical deployment of artificial intelligence in the military sphere.