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Defense Department

All articles tagged with #defense department

Pentagon pressures Anthropic to unlock Claude for military use or risk contract
technology1 day ago

Pentagon pressures Anthropic to unlock Claude for military use or risk contract

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth pressed Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei to open Claude for unrestricted military use or face losing the government contract, with possible penalties like a supply-chain risk designation or use of the Defense Production Act. Amodei reaffirmed Anthropic’s safety and ethical lines—no fully autonomous military targeting and no domestic surveillance—highlighting the broader tension between national-security needs and AI ethics as the Pentagon expands its AI partnerships.

Pentagon Pushes Anthropic on AI Safety Rules Ahead of Defense Deal
technology2 days ago

Pentagon Pushes Anthropic on AI Safety Rules Ahead of Defense Deal

Under pressure from the Trump administration, the Pentagon summoned Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei to Washington to renegotiate a $200 million pilot for using its Claude AI on classified networks, aiming to enforce guardrails similar to those being negotiated with rivals Google Gemini and xAI. Anthropic says it is willing to loosen some limits but insists on safeguards to prevent mass surveillance and autonomous weapons without human oversight, noting it was the first company authorized for the military’s classified networks. The talks highlight the government’s effort to push for broader, lawful use of AI in defense while balancing safety concerns.

Defense Dept backs L3Harris with $1B for pre-IPO missile-motors unit
industries1 month ago

Defense Dept backs L3Harris with $1B for pre-IPO missile-motors unit

The Defense Department invested $1 billion in L3Harris via convertible preferred securities that will convert into common stock in an IPO planned for the second half of 2026, creating a majority-owned missile-solutions unit with the government as an anchor investor but no board seats. The move aims to expand U.S. missile capacity, and L3Harris stock rose toward record closes amid a broader defense-focused rally, though congressional approval could be required for the government stake.

Pentagon IG completes 'Signalgate' report on Hegseth's Signal use, sends findings to Congress
politics2 months ago

Pentagon IG completes 'Signalgate' report on Hegseth's Signal use, sends findings to Congress

An investigation into Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's use of the Signal app has concluded, with classified findings sent to lawmakers. The probe focused on a Signal chat involving Hegseth and other security officials discussing a 2025 Yemen military strike, which Hegseth and his team claimed was unclassified. The findings are expected to be released soon, amid ongoing debates over the classification and handling of sensitive military information.

Government Shutdown Threatens Military Operations and Civilian Employees
world4 months ago

Government Shutdown Threatens Military Operations and Civilian Employees

A potential U.S. government shutdown could delay pay for active-duty military personnel and civilian defense workers, but essential personnel would continue working. Legislation like the 'Pay Our Military Act' or the proposed 'Pay Our Troops Act of 2026' could mitigate pay delays. The Defense Department has outlined contingency plans prioritizing critical missions, including border security and Middle East operations, with some civilian furloughs but no workforce cuts. Military medical services would continue, though elective procedures might be delayed.

Impacts of a Government Shutdown on U.S. Military and Civilian Employees
government4 months ago

Impacts of a Government Shutdown on U.S. Military and Civilian Employees

Nearly half of the Defense Department's civilian employees, about 334,900, could be furloughed during a government shutdown, with essential operations like border security, military support, and emergency services continuing. The shutdown's impact depends on congressional funding decisions, with ongoing debates and legislative efforts to prevent it.

Hegseth Summons Military Leaders for Unprecedented Virginia Meeting
military5 months ago

Hegseth Summons Military Leaders for Unprecedented Virginia Meeting

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has scheduled a rare large gathering of U.S. military generals and admirals at Quantico, Virginia, amid ongoing efforts to reduce the number of high-ranking officers by at least 20%, raising questions about the meeting's purpose and its relation to military restructuring.