Eight Tech Giants Sign Pentagon Deals to Build AI-Powered Military Force

Pentagon Accelerates Military AI Deployment

The U.S. Department of Defense has recently reached cooperation agreements with eight major technology companies to integrate artificial intelligence across the military's classified networks, marking a critical step in the Pentagon's strategy to build an "AI-first fighting force." This large-scale collaboration aims to deeply embed cutting-edge AI capabilities into the core operations of America's military infrastructure.

Eight Giants Join In, Anthropic's Absence Draws Attention

According to reports, eight technology companies have been awarded contract eligibility to provide AI services for the U.S. military's classified networks. These firms will deliver AI solutions spanning intelligence analysis, operational planning, logistics support, and other domains, helping the military achieve intelligent upgrades within classified network environments.

However, the most notable aspect is not who made the list, but rather a conspicuous absentee — Anthropic. As one of the world's leading AI companies and developer of the Claude series of large language models, Anthropic failed to secure a place in the partnership. Reports indicate that Anthropic refused to accept a usage term proposed by the Pentagon and was subsequently flagged as a security risk, ultimately being excluded from the cooperation framework.

This incident highlights the difficult choices AI companies face between commercial interests and ethical principles. Anthropic has long positioned "responsible AI" as its core brand identity, and its decision to reject military cooperation terms is consistent with the company's longstanding commitment to safety. However, it also means forgoing sizable defense contracts.

The Acceleration of Military AI

The Pentagon's large-scale adoption of commercial AI technology reflects several important trends:

First, military AI is moving from experimentation to real-world deployment. Over the past few years, the U.S. military's AI applications largely remained in pilot and evaluation phases. Deploying commercial AI directly within classified networks signals that the military's trust in and reliance on these technologies has increased substantially.

Second, the relationship between the Department of Defense and the tech industry is being reshaped. Since Google withdrew from Project Maven in 2018 amid employee protests, relations between Silicon Valley and the Pentagon had been strained. Now, with eight companies signing on collectively, the tech industry's attitude toward military cooperation has clearly shifted. Against a backdrop of intensifying geopolitical competition, an increasing number of tech companies are choosing to embrace the defense market.

Third, definitions of AI safety and national security are diverging. The detail that Anthropic was flagged as a "security risk" is deeply ironic — a company renowned for AI safety is itself deemed a risk by the national security establishment. This reveals a fundamental gap between how the AI industry defines "safety" and how the defense community defines it.

Industry Landscape and Ethical Controversies

This collaboration will also have far-reaching implications for the competitive landscape of the AI industry. Companies that secure military contracts will not only gain substantial revenue but also accumulate technical experience in handling highly sensitive scenarios — experience that carries value in commercial markets as well. While Anthropic's absence may impact its revenue outlook in the short term, it could also strengthen the company's brand image among clients who prioritize AI ethics.

The ethical debate surrounding military AI has never subsided. Proponents argue that applying the most advanced AI technology to defense can improve operational efficiency and reduce casualties. Critics worry that deep integration of AI in military operations could lower the threshold for the use of force and even trigger a new arms race.

Looking Ahead

With eight tech giants officially entering the arena, the U.S. military's AI transformation is set to enter the fast lane. It is foreseeable that more nations will accelerate similar efforts, advancing the intelligent modernization of their own military forces. The boundaries of AI applications in defense, regulatory frameworks, and ethical guidelines will become major issues the international community must confront.

For the AI industry as a whole, the Pentagon's "AI-first" strategy sends a clear signal: in an era of great power competition, AI is no longer merely a productivity tool — it is becoming a core element defining national security and military strength. How technology companies position themselves in this wave will profoundly shape the trajectory of AI development and global governance.