AI Safety Meets the War Machine

Wired

by Steven Levy

February 20, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

Anthropic, a leading AI company known for its focus on safety-conscious AI development, is facing significant challenges with the U.S. Pentagon over its refusal to comply with certain military applications of its technology. The Department of Defense is reconsidering its $200 million contract with Anthropic due to the company's objections to using AI in deadly operations or government surveillance. This could lead to Anthropic being labeled a "supply chain risk," potentially barring other defense firms from utilizing its AI if they wish to maintain Pentagon contracts. The situation highlights a growing tension between AI ethics and military applications, with Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei emphasizing the company's commitment to preventing harm through robust guardrails in its models. Anthropic's stance is rooted in its mission to integrate safety measures deeply into its AI systems, inspired by Isaac Asimov's laws of robotics. The company has developed custom "Claude Gov" models for national security, but insists these do not violate its prohibitions against AI use in autonomous weapons or surveillance. However, the Pentagon's recent comments suggest it expects AI companies to fully support military operations without restrictions, raising concerns about the ethical implications of AI in warfare. This conflict underscores broader debates over how much control governments should exert over AI technology and whether such control could compromise safety standards. The situation also reflects a larger divide in the tech industry between those advocating for AI regulation and those prioritizing rapid deployment for national security. Anthropic's public support for AI regulation, an outlier stance, further complicates its relationship with the Pentagon. As other major AI companies like OpenAI and Google navigate similar challenges, the case of Anthropic serves as a cautionary tale about balancing innovation with ethical considerations. The outcome could set a precedent for how AI technologies are integrated into military operations, potentially influencing future policy on AI safety and national security.

Verticals

techscience

Originally published on Wired on 2/20/2026