OpenAI, the maker of ChatGPT and a prominent artificial intelligence (AI) company, has entered into a partnership with Anduril, a defense startup specializing in missiles, drones, and software for the US military. This move is part of a growing trend among Silicon Valley tech companies to form closer ties with the defense industry.
According to Sam Altman, OpenAI’s CEO, the company aims to develop AI solutions that benefit as many people as possible while upholding democratic values. Under this partnership, OpenAI’s AI models will be used to improve air defense systems and enhance decision-making for military operators in high-pressure situations.
The technology is expected to provide faster and more accurate assessments of drone threats, allowing operators to make better decisions while minimizing risks. This partnership comes at a time when the US military already uses some OpenAI technology, and Anduril’s advanced air defense system featuring autonomous aircraft controlled by large language models is set to revolutionize conventional practices.
While some AI researchers were initially opposed to working with the military, many have shifted their stance in recent years following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The shift is driven by the recognition of AI as a transformative and geopolitically significant technology, offering lucrative revenue streams for companies that invest heavily in research and development.
Source: https://www.wired.com/story/openai-anduril-defense