ChatGPT maker OpenAI has announced a partnership with US-based defence technology company Anduril Industries to develop and deploy artificial intelligence (AI) based solutions for national security missions The focus will be on enhancing US’ counter-drone systems (CUAS) to improve real-time detection and response to aerial threats. The CUAS is designed to counter drone strikes by detecting and intercepting drones while they are in flight. By training OpenAI’s AI models on Anduril’s data library of CUAS threats and operations, the partnership aims to strengthen the US’s defence capabilities against drone attacks. This partnership with OpenAI comes as the US and its allies strive to maintain an edge over China in AI-powered military technology.

What OpenAI said about this partnership

In a statement, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman said: “Our partnership with Anduril will help ensure OpenAI technology protects US military personnel and will help the national security community understand and responsibly use this technology to keep our citizens safe and free”
In October, the Microsoft-backed AI startup also announced that it was partnering with the US military’s research arm DARPA on cyber defences for critical networks.
“AI is a transformational technology that can be used to strengthen democratic values or to undermine them. With the proper safeguards, AI can help protect people, deter adversaries, and even prevent future conflict,” the company said in a post at the time.

What Anduril said about the OpenAI partnership

In a release shared by the company, Anduril co-founder and CEO Brian Schimpf said: “Our partnership with OpenAI will allow us to utilise their world-class expertise in artificial intelligence to address urgent Air Defense capability gaps across the world.”
Schimpf also added that the partnership will allow “military and intelligence operators to make faster, more accurate decisions in high-pressure situations.”
Founded in 2017, Anduril Industries specialises in developing autonomous defence solutions. The company was co-founded by Palmer Luckey following Facebook’s $2 billion acquisition of his previous company, Oculus VR.
Anduril has experience in creating and deploying integrated systems that utilise various sensors, drones, and other assets. The company’s expertise lies in automating robotic systems for tactical environments, making it a valuable partner in the race to develop AI-controlled weapons.