SOCOM Commander Says AI Must Be Used Cautiously in Lethal Operations as Pentagon Expands Tech Contracts
Adm. Frank Bradley warned that humans must retain final control over AI-driven targeting decisions. The statements come as the Department of War expands classified AI contracts with multiple technology firms.
Washington ExaminerAdm. U.S. Special Operations Command, told a conference audience that troops must exercise caution when integrating artificial intelligence into lethal operations.
U.S. Bradley oversees the military units responsible for its most dangerous and difficult missions. His remarks come as the Department of War accelerates AI adoption under Secretary of War Pete Hegseth. The department has signed agreements with several technology companies for both classified and non-classified use.
In early May 2026, the department announced contracts with SpaceX, OpenAI, Oracle, Google, Nvidia, Reflection, Microsoft, and Amazon Web Services to provide services in classified environments. Hegseth has described the effort as an “AI-first” approach. ” Other SOCOM officials described narrower, non-combat roles for the technology.
Sgt. Maj. Andrew Krogman, the senior enlisted leader at SOCOM, said he views AI as suited for administrative work. The Pentagon’s AI push has already produced friction with at least one company. Earlier in 2026, the department designated Anthropic a supply chain risk after concerns arose over possible use of its Claude platform for mass surveillance and fully autonomous armed drones.
Anthropic sued over the designation, and the litigation remains in the courts.
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