The U.S. Department of Defense has reached an agreement with Elon Musk’s artificial intelligence company xAI to deploy Grok models within its internal GenAI.mil platform. The rollout, expected to begin in early 2026, will support AI-assisted analysis, automation, and decision support for controlled but unclassified information across military and administrative operations.
GenAI.mil is the Pentagon’s secure environment for approved AI tools, designed to operate within defense networks while limiting data exposure. Officials said the integration could eventually provide access to roughly 3 million Defense Department personnel, reflecting a push to scale AI adoption beyond pilot programs.
The selection of xAI highlights growing competition among AI developers for government contracts, which offer large user bases and long-term strategic value. Grok, initially developed for consumer-facing applications, is being adapted for regulated environments that require strict data governance and access controls.
Defense officials see AI as a force multiplier for logistics planning, intelligence synthesis, and internal communications. By starting with sensitive but unclassified workflows, the Pentagon aims to expand AI use cautiously while establishing a foundation for broader deployment across defense and intelligence agencies.