Elon Musk’s artificial intelligence chatbot Grok was used in a US military programme that helped support large-scale targeting operations, according to a legal filing submitted by the US government.
The disclosure emerged in a court case involving Musk’s AI company, xAI, and offers one of the clearest indications yet that the Pentagon is using the company's technology in national security operations, per a report by News18.
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Grok linked to Project Maven
According to a legal brief filed by the US Department of Justice, Grok is among a limited number of AI models considered capable of supporting national security applications. The filing cited a statement from Cameron Stanley, the Pentagon’s chief digital and artificial intelligence officer, reported News18.
Stanley said Grok’s government-focused model is being used as part of Project Maven, the US military’s AI-assisted targeting programme. The Justice Department argued that infrastructure supporting xAI’s systems is important because it contributes to technologies used by the military.
The filing stated that Maven Smart Systems (MSS) “enabled US forces to deploy over 2,000 munitions to 2,000 distinct targets within 96 hours during Operation Epic Fury," Stanley’s statement was quoted as saying by News18.
Stanley also praised Musk’s technology and “the greatly increased operational efficiency made possible by the Grok Gov Model".
Court case brings military use into focus
The details surfaced during a lawsuit filed by the NAACP, which alleges that xAI is operating dozens of gas-powered turbines without permits required under the Clean Air Act.
In response, the Justice Department argued that limiting xAI’s operations could have wider implications for technologies tied to national security.
According to the filing, the lawsuit “threatens American national, economic, and energy security by seeking to shut off the power supply for artificial intelligence innovation that supports the Department of War’s military operations".
Debate over AI in warfare continues
The disclosure comes as governments and technology companies face increasing scrutiny over the growing use of artificial intelligence in military operations. Concerns have intensified following reports that some US-led strikes resulted in civilian casualties.
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The debate has also reached the technology sector. Earlier this year, the US government ended contracts with Anthropic after the company declined to allow its tools to be used for fully automated strikes or mass surveillance of Americans.
The Pentagon subsequently turned to other AI firms, including Google, OpenAI and xAI. At Google, more than 600 employees reportedly urged the company not to provide AI technology for classified military operations, while experts and lawmakers continue to call for safeguards ensuring that human commanders retain responsibility for critical decisions.
FAQs:
What is Project Maven?
Project Maven is the US military's AI-assisted targeting and intelligence programme.
What did the Pentagon say about Grok?
It said Grok's government-focused model is being used within Project Maven for national security applications.
