OpenAI's pivot towards defense represents a critical strategic realignment, recognizing that America's technological sovereignty hinges on responsible AI development. By partnering with Anduril, the company aims to help democratic nations maintain a technological edge — potentially deterring conflicts and protecting national interests through advanced, ethically-guided artificial intelligence solutions.
OpenAI's move into the defense sector marks a troubling shift, as it risks amplifying the misuse of AI in cyberattacks, disinformation, and surveillance. This undermines safety priorities, increasing the likelihood of dangerous applications like weaponization and dystopian deepfakes. Acting on its defense sector ambitions normalizes military entanglements for profit, diverting focus from ethical stewardship.