The Pentagon has asked defence contractors to assess their reliance on Anthropic, according to a person familiar with the matter. The request comes ahead of a Friday deadline for the artificial intelligence provider to respond to a demand to eliminate certain safeguards.
Reuters reported that the Department of Defense has engaged in a months long dispute with Anthropic. However, the company has no intention of easing its usage restrictions for military purposes.
Pentagon Seeks Contractor Assessments
The Pentagon has contacted major contractors as it weighs its options. In particular, it asked companies to detail how much they depend on Anthropic’s technology. This step could support a possible designation of the firm as a supply chain risk.
Lockheed Martin confirmed that the department had approached it. Meanwhile, Boeing Defense, Space and Security said it holds no active contracts with Anthropic. Axios reported that Boeing was among the contractors contacted.
A person familiar with the discussions said the assessment request signals potential further action. However, that individual declined to be identified because they lacked authorisation to speak publicly.
High Level Talks Continue
Talks remain ongoing following a meeting between Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Anthropic chief executive Dario Amodei. During the meeting, Hegseth warned that the Pentagon would act if the company failed to comply.
Reuters reported that the department could label Anthropic a supply chain risk. Alternatively, officials could invoke a law that would compel the company to amend its rules. Therefore, the stakes remain high as the deadline approaches.
The Department of Defense has given Anthropic until Friday at 5 p.m. Eastern time to respond. A senior Pentagon official said the Office of the Secretary of War is preparing to execute any decision the Secretary may take.
Dispute Over AI Safeguards
The disagreement centres on safeguards that restrict military applications of Anthropic’s technology. Specifically, the company has refused to remove measures that prevent autonomous weapons targeting and domestic surveillance use.
At the same time, the Pentagon has pressed major AI firms, including Anthropic and OpenAI, to make their tools available on classified networks. It has also sought fewer standard user restrictions on those systems.
Anthropic did not respond to a request for comment. Nevertheless, the department continues to push for broader access.
The Wall Street Journal reported that the department used Anthropic’s AI products during a military raid that captured Venezuela’s President Nicolas Maduro. That report added another dimension to the ongoing dispute.
As Friday’s deadline nears, both sides continue discussions. Consequently, contractors and officials await a decision that could reshape the department’s relationship with the AI provider.