OpenAI NATO contract discussions are reportedly underway as the company explores deploying its artificial intelligence systems on networks used by the North Atlantic Treaty Organization.

According to a person familiar with the matter cited in reports, OpenAI is considering a deal that would allow its AI technology to run on NATO’s unclassified networks. The potential agreement surfaced just days after the company announced a separate partnership with the U.S. Department of Defense.

The development signals a possible expansion of OpenAI military AI expansion Pentagon NATO relationships across Western defense institutions.

OpenAI NATO Contract Would Target Unclassified Networks

The potential OpenAI NATO contract focuses specifically on deploying AI systems on NATO’s unclassified networks.

According to reports, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman initially told employees during a company meeting that the firm was exploring deployments across NATO’s classified networks. However, a company spokesperson later clarified that Altman misspoke.

The clarification stated that the opportunity involves NATO’s unclassified networks rather than classified infrastructure.

NATO, a 32-member military alliance, did not immediately respond to requests for comment outside normal business hours.

The report highlights how the company’s recent defense partnerships are expanding beyond the United States as governments evaluate the role of artificial intelligence in national security systems.

Pentagon Deal Drives OpenAI Military AI Expansion Pentagon NATO

The discussions around the OpenAI NATO contract come shortly after the company finalized a deal with the Pentagon.

OpenAI announced the agreement late last week, saying its technology would be deployed in the U.S. Department of Defense’s classified network environment. The deal followed a decision by U.S. President Donald Trump directing federal agencies to stop working with rival AI firm Anthropic.

Anthropic’s removal came after disagreements during negotiations over how its AI systems could be used. Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei had emphasized the company’s opposition to the use of its models for mass domestic surveillance or for fully autonomous weapons.

The Pentagon has previously said it does not plan to use AI for mass surveillance of Americans or for weapons that operate without human involvement. However, officials have argued that lawful uses of AI should not be restricted by vendor conditions.

Following the Pentagon agreement, OpenAI issued a statement clarifying that its systems “shall not be intentionally used for domestic surveillance of U.S. persons and nationals.” The company also said the Pentagon confirmed that the technology would not be used by intelligence agencies such as the National Security Agency.

Altman later addressed the controversy during an internal company meeting. According to reports, he described the Pentagon partnership as “a complex, but right decision with extremely difficult brand consequences and very negative PR for us in the short term.”

The OpenAI NATO contract discussions, if finalized, would further extend the company’s role in defense-related AI deployments while continuing to attract scrutiny around how artificial intelligence is used in military environments.