What happened
US Central Command deployed Anthropic's Claude AI tools during February 28 strikes on Iranian targets, part of Operation Epic Fury. This deployment occurred despite the President's February 27 directive for federal agencies to cease working with Anthropic, and the US's designation of Anthropic as a national security supply chain risk. The operation also utilised Tomahawk cruise missiles, F-18 and F-35 fighter jets, B-2 stealth bombers, and US$35,000 LUCAS one-way attack drones.
Why it matters
Military AI deployment now overrides national security directives, establishing a precedent for technology use despite official bans. This challenges procurement teams and security architects to reconcile AI integration with evolving regulatory and geopolitical constraints. Furthermore, the deployment of US$35,000 LUCAS drones signals a strategic shift towards "affordable mass" in warfare, impacting defence founders and investors by prioritising cost-effective, scalable weaponry over traditional high-cost platforms.
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