OpenAI teamed up with Anduril Industries to add its AI technology to Anduril’s anti-drone systems, marking its biggest move into the defense sector.
Anduril will use OpenAI’s technology to improve its ability to detect and respond to unmanned aerial threats, like drones, which have become an important component of modern warfare. Furthermore, OpenAI will use Anduril’s data to improve the software for these protection systems.
Recently, OpenAI is focused on expanding national security with the United States government, to promote AI adoption that is consistent with democratic values.
The organization collaborated with the US Air Force Research Laboratory to employ ChatGPT capabilities for administrative work and appointed a former Pentagon official to manage its national security team. The firm also appointed the former head of the National Security Agency to its board.
Sam Altman, OpenAI’s chief executive officer, said, “Our partnership with Anduril will help ensure OpenAI technology protects US military personnel, and will help the national security community understand and responsibly use this technology to keep our citizens safe and free.”
The partnership comes at a crucial time in the U.S.-China race for military AI dominance. The companies warned, “If the United States cedes ground, we risk losing the technological edge that has underpinned our national security for decades.”
Anduril and OpenAI stated the partnership will focus on responsibly developing AI for national security, with Anduril CEO Brian Schimpf noting it will help address critical gaps in global air defense.
Defense contracts have long been controversial, with protests at tech companies like Google in 2018. However, the AI industry has become more open to such deals.
In November, Anthropic partnered with Palantir and Amazon to provide AI to U.S. defense agencies, while Meta also offered its AI models to defense contractors. OpenAI’s partnership with Anduril focuses on using its technology to defend against unmanned drones.
With Anduril, OpenAI is partnering with a top defense industry player valued at $14 billion. Anduril makes reusable rockets, drones, and submarines and has several contracts with the U.S. Defense Department and its allies. In September, it announced plans to expand into space and recently secured a $99.7 million contract with U.S. Space Command.
Also Read: OpenAI gets $1.5B funding from SoftBank in a latest deal
