OpenAI has secured a pivotal agreement with the U.S. Department of War to incorporate its advanced artificial intelligence systems into classified military applications. The deal, made public on February 28, 2026, is seen as a landmark moment for the company, which has established strict parameters for the use of its technology in defense contexts.
CEO Sam Altman emphasized the commitment to safety within the contract, which outlines three key prohibitions: the use of AI for mass domestic surveillance, the direction of autonomous weapons systems, and high-stakes automated decision-making in sensitive areas like social credit systems. OpenAI’s framework has been designed to ensure compliance with legal standards, including the Fourth Amendment and the National Security Act of 1947, preventing misuse of its technology.
This agreement emerges amid scrutiny of AI startup Anthropic, which has faced challenges regarding its defense contract activities. OpenAI's contract allows for lawful use of its systems but emphasizes human oversight for autonomous weaponry. The company retains the option to terminate the agreement if the government breaches its conditions, although it remains optimistic about the collaboration's future.