OpenAI is considering an agreement to deploy its artificial intelligence technology across the North Atlantic Treaty Organization’s unclassified networks, according to a person familiar with the discussions. The potential contract would extend the company’s presence in defense and security infrastructure days after it announced a deal with the U.S. Department of Defense.
The Wall Street Journal first reported the talks. During an internal company meeting, OpenAI Chief Executive Sam Altman initially suggested the company was exploring deployment across NATO’s classified networks. A company spokesperson later clarified that Altman misspoke and that the opportunity currently being considered involves NATO’s unclassified systems.
NATO, a 32 member military alliance spanning North America and Europe, did not immediately respond to requests for comment. The alliance has increasingly explored digital and artificial intelligence capabilities for cybersecurity, logistics coordination, and information analysis.
OpenAI, whose investors include Microsoft and Amazon, announced late last week that its models would be deployed within the Pentagon’s classified network infrastructure. The agreement followed a directive from U.S. President Donald Trump ordering federal agencies to phase out the use of AI products developed by rival Anthropic.
Defense AI Debate Intensifies
Anthropic’s removal from federal systems followed a standoff with the Pentagon over safeguards governing military use of its AI models. Chief Executive Dario Amodei had emphasized the company’s opposition to allowing its systems to support mass domestic surveillance or fully autonomous weapons.
U.S. defense officials have said they do not intend to deploy artificial intelligence for mass surveillance of Americans or weapons systems operating without human oversight. However, they have argued that the military must retain flexibility to use AI for any lawful operational purpose.
After announcing its Pentagon agreement, OpenAI issued an updated statement clarifying that its systems would not be intentionally used for domestic surveillance of U.S. persons or nationals. The company added that the Department of Defense affirmed the AI services would not be used by intelligence agencies such as the National Security Agency.
Altman acknowledged that the Pentagon partnership has carried reputational risks for the company. Speaking at a company meeting on Tuesday, he described the decision as complex but necessary.
“I think this was an example of a complex, but right decision with extremely difficult brand consequences and very negative PR for us in the short term,” Altman said, according to the Wall Street Journal.
If a NATO agreement proceeds, it would mark another step in the rapid integration of generative AI tools into defense and security operations across Western governments.
At the same time, the controversy around military AI partnerships is increasingly influencing consumer behavior. Anthropic’s Claude recently rose to No. 1 on the U.S. App Store as backlash grew over OpenAI’s Pentagon deal, with market data showing surging downloads for Claude alongside a sharp spike in ChatGPT uninstallations.