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

The Pentagon approved lawful operational use of AI systems in classified settings from seven companies, including OpenAI, Google, Microsoft, Amazon, Nvidia, xAI, and Reflection.

The move expands military access to major AI platforms for sensitive defense work and underscores the growing role of AI in national security operations.

Anthropic was excluded after being flagged as a supply-chain risk, following a prior dispute involving surveillance and autonomous weapons.

The decision signals shifting federal trust and security priorities across leading AI firms.