OpenAI weighing contract to deploy AI on NATO networks, source says

Summary

OpenAI is exploring a potential agreement to deploy its artificial intelligence technology on NATO’s unclassified networks, according to a person familiar with the discussions. The move would deepen the company’s role in defence technology shortly after it secured a deal to provide AI services to the Pentagon.

March 3, 2026 — OpenAI is considering a contract to deploy its artificial intelligence systems on the North Atlantic Treaty Organization’s unclassified networks, according to a person familiar with the matter.

The potential agreement comes days after the ChatGPT developer secured a deal to provide AI services to the U.S. Department of Defense.

A report earlier said OpenAI Chief Executive Sam Altman initially told employees the company was exploring deployment across NATO’s classified networks, but a company spokesperson later clarified that the opportunity relates only to NATO’s unclassified networks.

NATO, a 32-member military alliance, did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Follows Pentagon agreement

The potential NATO contract follows a recent agreement allowing OpenAI technology to be deployed on a classified Pentagon network.

The deal came after a directive from U.S. President Donald Trump instructing the government to end contract discussions with rival artificial intelligence company Anthropic.

Anthropic had been negotiating with the Defense Department but resisted certain potential uses of its models. Chief Executive Dario Amodei had publicly emphasised the company’s opposition to deploying AI for mass domestic surveillance or fully autonomous weapons systems.

The Pentagon has said it does not intend to use artificial intelligence for surveillance of Americans or for weapons systems operating without human oversight, while maintaining that AI can support lawful military and intelligence missions.

Updated safeguards

Following the Pentagon agreement, OpenAI said its systems “shall not be intentionally used for domestic surveillance of U.S. persons and nationals.”

The company added that the Defense Department confirmed the services would not be used by intelligence agencies such as the National Security Agency.

According to the earlier report, Altman told employees the Pentagon deal represented a “complex, but right decision,” acknowledging the move could bring short-term reputational scrutiny.

If finalised, a NATO deployment would expand OpenAI’s footprint in the defence and national security sector, where governments are increasingly exploring the use of advanced AI tools for logistics, cybersecurity and intelligence analysis.

Why This Matters

• AI enters defence infrastructure: Governments are accelerating adoption of AI for security, intelligence and operational analysis.
• Strategic tech partnerships: Major AI developers are becoming key suppliers to national security institutions.
• Ethics and oversight: Military use of AI continues to face scrutiny over surveillance and autonomous weapons risks.
• Geopolitical competition: AI capabilities are increasingly viewed as strategic assets in global security and technology competition.

FAQs

Q1. What is OpenAI considering with NATO?

OpenAI is evaluating a potential contract to deploy its AI systems on NATO’s unclassified networks.

Q2. Will the AI run on classified NATO systems?

No. A company spokesperson clarified that the opportunity relates only to NATO’s unclassified networks.

Q3. How does this relate to the Pentagon deal?

OpenAI recently reached an agreement to deploy its technology on a classified Pentagon network.

Q4. What concerns exist around military AI use?

Debates focus on risks such as mass surveillance or fully autonomous weapons.

Q5. Has NATO confirmed the contract?

NATO has not publicly confirmed discussions regarding the potential agreement.