Eight tech giants sign Pentagon deals to build an "AI-first fighting force" across classified networks

THE DECODER / 5/2/2026

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Key Points

  • Eight tech companies have signed Pentagon deals to supply AI for classified U.S. military networks as part of an “AI-first fighting force” strategy.
  • The Pentagon’s initiative focuses on deploying AI capabilities across secure, classified environments rather than open systems.
  • Anthropic is not included in the deal list after rejecting a usage clause and being flagged as a security risk.
  • The contracting outcome highlights how security requirements and clause acceptance can materially affect AI vendor eligibility for defense programs.

Eight tech companies are supplying AI for classified US military networks, part of the Pentagon's push to build an "AI-first fighting force." Anthropic is notably absent from the list after the company rejected a usage clause and got flagged as a security risk.

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