Pentagon Pushes Anthropic, OpenAI Partners Up, and F-35 AI Tests - Defense AI Brief #31
March 02, 2026 -
Defense AI Brief
Hi there,
Welcome to this week's edition of Defense AI Brief.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is meeting with Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei to discuss the military applications of the AI system Claude. The meeting addresses concerns about Anthropic being a 'supply chain risk' after refusing technology use for mass surveillance and autonomous weapons. Meanwhile, the U.S. Pentagon is demanding Anthropic provide access to its AI model, threatening consequences if not complied with by Friday. In response, Dario Amodei has announced that the company will not grant the Pentagon unrestricted access to its AI systems, citing concerns over potential misuse.
In other news, President Trump has directed federal agencies to cease using Anthropic products after a disagreement with the Department of Defense over the company's AI model usage policies. Employees from Google and OpenAI have signed a letter supporting Anthropic in its disagreement with the U.S. Department of War over military AI technology use. Additionally, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman announced a deal with the U.S. Department of Defense to use AI models in classified networks, with safeguards against domestic surveillance and autonomous weapons.
Welcome to this week's edition of Defense AI Brief.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is meeting with Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei to discuss the military applications of the AI system Claude. The meeting addresses concerns about Anthropic being a 'supply chain risk' after refusing technology use for mass surveillance and autonomous weapons. Meanwhile, the U.S. Pentagon is demanding Anthropic provide access to its AI model, threatening consequences if not complied with by Friday. In response, Dario Amodei has announced that the company will not grant the Pentagon unrestricted access to its AI systems, citing concerns over potential misuse.
In other news, President Trump has directed federal agencies to cease using Anthropic products after a disagreement with the Department of Defense over the company's AI model usage policies. Employees from Google and OpenAI have signed a letter supporting Anthropic in its disagreement with the U.S. Department of War over military AI technology use. Additionally, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman announced a deal with the U.S. Department of Defense to use AI models in classified networks, with safeguards against domestic surveillance and autonomous weapons.
Defense Secretary Meets Anthropic CEO on AI Military Use
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is meeting with Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei to discuss the military applications of the AI system Claude, amid concerns about the company's stance on surveillance and autonomous weapons. Read more
Pentagon Pressures Anthropic for AI Model Access
The Pentagon is demanding Anthropic to provide unrestricted access to its AI model, threatening potential consequences if not complied with by Friday. Read more
Anthropic CEO Rejects Pentagon's AI Access Request
Dario Amodei, CEO of Anthropic, has refused the Pentagon's demand for unrestricted access to its AI systems, citing concerns over surveillance and autonomous weapons. Read more
Trump Halts Federal Use of Anthropic After Defense Dispute
President Trump has directed federal agencies to cease using Anthropic products due to a disagreement with the Department of Defense over the company's AI model usage policies. Read more
Google and OpenAI Employees Back Anthropic in Pentagon AI Dispute
Employees from Google and OpenAI have signed a letter supporting Anthropic in its disagreement with the U.S. Department of War over AI technology use. Read more
OpenAI Partners with Pentagon for AI Use in Classified Networks
OpenAI has reached an agreement with the U.S. Department of Defense to use its AI models in classified networks, ensuring safeguards against domestic surveillance and autonomous weapons. Read more
Air Force Awards $8.6M AI Contract to Istari Digital
The Department of the Air Force has granted an $8.6 million contract to Istari Digital to advance the AI-Driven Industry Øne Initiative, focusing on improving operational capabilities with artificial intelligence. Read more
Gallatin AI Opens Engineering Hub in Austin
Gallatin AI has launched a new office in Austin, Texas, to enhance its capabilities in military logistics. The strategic location aims to improve service to military clients by streamlining logistics planning with their software, Navigator. Read more
NODA AI Secures $25M for Military AI Platform
NODA AI has raised $25 million in Series A funding led by Bessemer Venture Partners to enhance its AI platform for military coordination. The funding will support integration with over 30 platforms for the Department of War and the UK Ministry of Defense. Read more
Lockheed Martin Tests AI in F-35 Combat ID System
On February 23, 2026, Lockheed Martin conducted a successful flight test of an AI-enhanced Combat Identification system in the F-35 at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, as part of Project Overwatch. Read more
DOD Seeks AI Tools for Developers
The DOD aims to acquire AI-powered coding tools to enhance software development for its workforce, addressing the lack of standardized tools within the department. Read more
OpenAI Reveals Pentagon Agreement Details
OpenAI has provided more information about its agreement with the U.S. Department of Defense, highlighting safeguards against misuse of its technology. Read more
SWARM Biotactics Creates AI Cyborg Insect Swarms for NATO
German startup SWARM Biotactics has developed cyborg insect swarms using bioelectronics and AI, now deployed with NATO forces for reconnaissance missions. Read more
Allen Control Systems Expands Austin Operations
Allen Control Systems has tripled its facility size in Austin, Texas, to over 57,000 square feet to meet the demand for its Bullfrog autonomous counter-drone system. This expansion supports enhanced production and research for military deliveries. Read more
Fortem Technologies Wins $18M U.S. Army Contract for AI Counter-Drone Tech
Fortem Technologies has secured an $18 million contract with the U.S. Army to deliver AI-driven counter-drone solutions, including DroneHunter® interceptors, to bolster defenses against hostile drones globally. Read more
We hope you enjoyed this article.
Consider subscribing to one of our newsletters like Defense AI Brief or Daily AI Brief.
Also, consider following us on social media:
More from: Defense
03/02
Fortem Technologies Wins $18M U.S. Army Contract for Counter-Drone Systems
03/02
NODA AI Raises $25M to Advance Defense Autonomy Platform
03/02
Gallatin AI Opens Austin Office to Support Military Logistics
03/02
Allen Control Systems Triples Austin Facility for Bullfrog Counter-Drone Production
03/01
OpenAI Reaches Pentagon Agreement with Technical Safeguards
Subscribe to Defense AI Brief
Your weekly intelligence briefing on the technology shaping modern warfare and national security.
