TL;DR

OpenAI is considering a contract to deploy its AI technology on NATO’s unclassified networks, according to Reuters. The move comes days after the ChatGPT-maker struck a deal to operate on the Pentagon’s classified network, following the Trump administration’s decision to stop working with rival Anthropic.

What Happened

CEO Sam Altman initially told staff the company was looking to deploy on all NATO classified networks, but an OpenAI spokeswoman clarified to the Wall Street Journal that Altman misspoke — the opportunity is specifically for NATO’s unclassified systems.

The 32-member military alliance has not yet commented on the reported discussions.

Context: The Pentagon Deal

OpenAI’s NATO interest follows a broader push into government and defence. Last week, OpenAI announced a deal to deploy its technology on the Pentagon’s classified network, after US President Donald Trump directed federal agencies to stop using Anthropic’s technology.

That directive came after a standoff in contract negotiations between Anthropic and the Pentagon. Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei had opposed the Pentagon using the company’s AI models for mass domestic surveillance or fully autonomous weapons.

OpenAI has taken a different approach. In an updated statement on Monday, the company said its AI systems “shall not be intentionally used for domestic surveillance of US persons and nationals,” and confirmed the Pentagon affirmed AI services would not be used by agencies such as the NSA.

Altman described the Pentagon deal as “a complex, but right decision with extremely difficult brand consequences and very negative PR for us in the short term.”

Looking Forward

The potential NATO contract would mark a significant expansion of OpenAI’s government footprint beyond the United States. For NATO member states — including the UK — this could shape how allied militaries adopt and standardise AI tools across shared infrastructure, though any deployment would be limited to unclassified systems.