OpenAI is working with Anduril Industries Inc. to integrate its artificial intelligence technology into the weapons maker’s anti-drone systems. This marks the AI ​​developer’s most significant foray into the defense sector to date.

Anduril will rely on OpenAI’s technology to better detect and respond to unmanned “aerial threats,” primarily drones, that have become a central part of modern warfare, the two companies said Wednesday. OpenAI will also use Anduril data to train its software for these defense systems.

In recent months, OpenAI has sought to expand its partnerships with the U.S. government in the area of ​​national security, saying it wants to help the public sector adopt AI that upholds democratic values. OpenAI has partnered with the US Air Force Research Laboratory to adopt its ChatGPT enterprise tools for administrative purposes. The company also hired a former senior Pentagon official to lead its national security policy team and added the former head of the National Security Agency to its board.

“Our partnership with Anduril will help ensure that OpenAI technology protects U.S. military personnel and will help the national security community understand and responsibly use this technology to ensure the safety and freedom of our citizens.” Sam AltmanOpenAI’s CEO said in a statement.

The agreement comes at what the two companies describe as a “pivotal moment” in the accelerating race between the US and China to dominate AI for military purposes. “If the United States loses ground, we risk losing the technological edge that has underpinned our national security for decades,” the companies said in a joint statement.

Anduril and OpenAI said the partnership will focus on the development and “responsible” use of AI for national security missions. In the statement Anduril co-founder and CEO Brian Schimpf said the partnership will help address “urgent” gaps in air defense capabilities around the world.

Defense contracts have historically been controversial among employees at consumer technology companies, sparking significant protests within Google, among others, in 2018. But the AI ​​industry has recently shown greater openness to such deals.

In November, OpenAI rival Anthropic announced a partnership with Palantir Technologies Inc. And Amazon.com Inc. to give US intelligence and defense agencies access to its technologies. Meta Platforms Inc. Last month, the company also opened its AI models to U.S. defense agencies and contractors.

OpenAI’s partnership with Anduril is specifically aimed at using its technology to defend against unmanned drones, a spokesperson said.

With Anduril, OpenAI is relying on a market leader in the Silicon Valley defense industry. The startup, most recently valued at $14 billion, makes reusable missiles, drones and submarines and has several contracts with the Department of Defense in the US and allied countries. In September, Anduril announced it would expand its efforts into space, winning a $99.7 million contract with the U.S. Space Command last month.