OpenAI, the creator of the revolutionary chatbot ChatGPT, took a decisive step into the defense sector on June 17, 2025, securing its first major and officially confirmed contract with the Pentagon for $200 million. This was reported by leading global business publications, including Reuters and Business Insider, citing US Department of Defense documents. The one-year contract involves the development and demonstration of various artificial intelligence-based prototypes for both military and administrative needs of the department, with project completion expected by July 2026. This move marks a significant and debated shift in OpenAIs policy, which had previously sought to distance itself from direct involvement in military projects and even prohibited the use of its technologies in weaponry. Simultaneously with the contract announcement, OpenAI revealed the creation of a new specialized division – "OpenAI for Government." This unit will centrally manage all current and future projects for government and defense agencies, ensuring compliance with strict security, confidentiality, and regulatory requirements. The formation of such a division indicates a serious, long-term strategy for working with the public sector. This contract formally brings OpenAI into the highly competitive defense technology market, where it will compete with companies like Palantir, Anduril, as well as tech giants such as Microsoft and Google. This event will undoubtedly trigger a new wave of public and internal corporate debate about the ethics of applying advanced AI systems for military purposes.
OpenAI Secures $200M Pentagon Contract, Launches "OpenAI for Government" Division
