Department of Defense signs contract with major tech company to bring AI to classified networks

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It’s unclear how the Pentagon will use the new AI tools, but officials said the effort will enable capabilities across combat, intelligence and enterprise operations.

The Department of Defense has signed agreements with some of the nation’s largest technology companies to deploy their advanced artificial intelligence capabilities to their classified networks as part of a broader effort to accelerate military AI adoption.

SpaceX, OpenAI, Google, NVIDIA, Microsoft, Amazon Web Services and reflect intention Integrate AI capabilities into the department’s Impact Level 6 and Impact Level 7 network environments. IL6 is used to store and process sensitive information up to the classified level, while IL7 supports highly restricted data.

Following the initial announcement Friday morning, the Pentagon also said that Oracle: Agree to join the list of AI companies,A total of 8 companies participated in this event.

“These agreements will accelerate the transformation toward establishing the U.S. military as an AI-first combat force and strengthen the warfighter’s ability to maintain judgment superiority across all domains of warfare,” the department said in a statement.

According to the Department of Defense, these AI capabilities “streamline data synthesis, improve situational understanding, and enhance warfighter decision-making in complex operational environments.”

Contract with company This comes as Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth continues his efforts to bring commercial AI to the Department of Defense, following the launch of the GenAI.mil platform in December. Early deployments used Google’s Gemini model; Can be used for sensitive but unclassified data. Andrew Mapes, Acting Deputy Chief Executive, Digital and AI, said: The department plans to introduce Additional models available at all classification levels.

“We aim to continue to modernize GenAI.mil by incorporating additional models not only in IL5 but also in IL6 and IL7…We continue to bring additional models to GenAI.mil and push it to be available to everyone, not just warfighters, but civilians and contractors.” [Common Access Card] Now we can use those features,” Mapes said. Federal News Network AI and Data Exchange. “Additional models should come online in the coming months.”

The Department of Defense stated that the agreement “Prevent AI vendor lock-downs and ensure long-term flexibility for the joint force. ”

It’s unclear how the department plans to use these new AI tools, but officials said the effort will enable new capabilities across combat, intelligence and enterprise operations.

“Access to a diverse suite of AI capabilities from across the Resilient America technology stack gives warfighters the tools they need to act with confidence. and protect the country from all threats. ” the Department of Defense said.

The announcement excludes Anthropic, which was the first AI company to deploy its models on sensitive Department of Defense systems and was later designated by Hegseth as a “supply chain risk.” next adControversy over how the military can use the company’s AI models. This status is typically given to foreign companies that pose a national security risk.

The ministry said both companies plan to deploy their capabilities for “lawful operational use.” This standard was the one at the center of the dispute between Anthropic and the Department of Defense. TThe company’s tools were widely seen across the federal government as superior to competitors and military users. it was late To phase them out.

Emile Michael, Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering and Chief Technology Officer, said: On Friday, the company remained exposed to supply chain risks. he used to said he is “fairly confident” that the Department of Defense can quickly phase out the use of Anthropic products without major disruption within the six-month deadline set by President Donald Trump.

It is unclear when AI models will be available on sensitive networks.

If you would like to contact this reporter about recent changes in the federal government, please email anastasia.obis@federalnewsnetwork.com or call Signal (301) 830-2747.

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