Pentagon strikes classified AI deals with OpenAI, Google, and Nvidia — but not Anthropic
Pentagon just locked in classified AI deals with OpenAI, Google, and Nvidia. Anthropic got blocked.
Why it matters
Strategic government procurement is reshaping the AI vendor hierarchy. Exclusion from Pentagon classified work signals major competitive disadvantage and potential valuation impact for Anthropic, while OpenAI and Google cement defense-sector moats.
The key facts
5 to knowPentagon classified AI deals signed with: OpenAI, Google, Microsoft, Amazon, Nvidia, xAI, Reflection
Anthropic explicitly excluded after being designated a supply-chain risk
Builds on prior Pentagon agreements with OpenAI and xAI for lawful classified AI use
Defense Department procurement signals market access stratification in AI sector
Classification-level access becomes competitive differentiator for AI vendors
Go to the source
The Verge AItheverge.com
Publisher excerpt: The Pentagon has struck deals with OpenAI, Google, Microsoft, Amazon, Nvidia, Elon Musk's xAI, and the startup Reflection, allowing the agency to use their AI tools in classified settings, according to an announcement on Friday. At the same time, the Defense Department has left out Anthropic -…