OpenAI says it struck deal with DoD to run models on classified network
Mar 1st 2026
Sam Altman said OpenAI has an agreement with the Department of Defense to deploy its models on the DoD’s classified network under safety-focused terms, while the Trump administration moves to phase out rival Anthropic’s technology.
- Sam Altman announced OpenAI reached an agreement with the Department of Defense to deploy its models on the DoD classified network.
- Altman said the agreement includes bans on domestic mass surveillance, preserves human responsibility for use of force, and adds technical safeguards, cloud-only deployment, and forward deployed engineers.
- OpenAI is asking the DoD to offer the same terms to other AI companies to avoid legal conflicts and encourage negotiated standards.
- The announcement came as the Trump administration ordered federal agencies to begin phasing out Anthropic’s AI technology, intensifying a broader debate over military uses of AI.
- OpenAI framed the deal as safety focused and aligned with existing law and policy governing military use of emerging technologies.