US military reaches deals with 7 tech companies to use their AI on classified systems - Chicago Tribune

The Pentagon has announced agreements with seven technology companies to use their artificial intelligence systems on classified computer networks. The deals were made public on May 2, 2026. One company's contract includes language requiring human oversight for missions where AI systems operate autonomously or semiautonomously.

The companies were not named in the announcement. The human oversight clause in one contract suggests varying levels of autonomy across the partnerships.

The deals highlight ongoing efforts to balance operational speed with safety measures in classified environments.