OpenAI & US Defense contractor Anduril to co-develop military AI & AI drones

OpenAI, the creators of ChatGPT, is teaming up with US defence contractor Anduril in a partnership designed to tackle national security challenges using artificial intelligence. The collaboration will kick off with a focus on anti-drone systems, aiming to create AI tools that can spot and respond to threats from unmanned aircraft almost instantly.

This venture plans to bring together OpenAI’s advanced machine-learning models and Anduril’s expertise in military hardware and software, using data from real-world drone operations to train AI systems. The goal is to offer quicker, smarter responses to potentially dangerous situations, helping military teams stay one step ahead.

AI’s role in the race for global defence

This partnership comes as the race to lead in AI technology heats up between global powers like the US and China. The stakes are high, with AI increasingly seen as a game-changer in national security. But with the rapid pace of AI development comes a lot of debate — how safe is it? Can it be trusted in life-or-death scenarios?

Both OpenAI and Anduril have assured they’re focusing on using AI responsibly. The technology, they say, is about empowering military teams to make quicker and more informed decisions while staying true to democratic principles.

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A tectonic shift for OpenAI

OpenAI’s move into military tech is a big step for a company that started as a nonprofit focused on cautious AI development. Over time, it has become a leader in making AI accessible, balancing innovation with careful oversight.

The partnership with Anduril also highlights Silicon Valley’s rekindled ties with defence—a throwback to its early days as a defence tech hub. Still, not all tech companies have embraced this direction. Google, for instance, faced internal protests over its involvement in military projects.

A growing trend in defence-tech partnerships

OpenAI isn’t the only one making moves in the defence space. Just last month, rival AI company Anthropic teamed up with Palantir to bring its AI tools to US defence agencies. These partnerships underline how AI is increasingly being woven into modern military strategies.

While these innovations could transform national security, they also come with big questions. How do we ensure AI is used ethically? What risks might come with these technologies? As these partnerships grow, finding the balance between innovation and responsibility will be key.