OpenAI’s technology is now considered “essential” for U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) missions, as revealed in a procurement document obtained by The Intercept. AFRICOM plans to purchase cloud computing services from Microsoft, including OpenAI software, to support its operations in Africa. This purchase reflects the growing demand for cloud computing in the Defense Department and AFRICOM’s need for advanced AI/ML tools.
Microsoft began selling OpenAI’s GPT-4 large language model to defense customers in June 2023, and AFRICOM’s purchase marks the first confirmation of U.S. combatant command acquiring OpenAI products. Despite OpenAI’s original stance against military work, the company has now collaborated with defense agencies for cybersecurity initiatives and other projects.
The document emphasizes that access to Microsoft’s AI tools is crucial for AFRICOM’s mission success, highlighting the need for advanced analytics and data processing capabilities to enhance decision-making and situational awareness.
However, concerns have been raised about the accuracy and potential risks associated with using AI tools in mission-critical environments. OpenAI has integrated with the U.S. national security establishment, despite its mission to ensure AI benefits all humanity.