The United States government has disclosed that xAI’s Grok artificial intelligence model was used in Pentagon-linked systems supporting military operations, reigniting a global debate over the role of artificial intelligence in modern warfare.
The disclosure came in a June 15 court filing by the U.S. Department of Justice, which defended Elon Musk’s artificial intelligence company xAI against an environmental lawsuit involving its Mississippi data center. The government argued that restricting the facility’s operations could affect national security because the computing infrastructure supports AI systems used for critical defense work.
According to a Pentagon official’s statement included in the filing, a Grok model has been integrated into Project Maven, a military artificial intelligence program designed to assist with intelligence analysis and operational decision-making. Officials said the system supported “vital national security mission” and was involved in recent military operations.
The disclosure linked Grok’s use to U.S.-Israel operations against Iran earlier in the year, where officials said AI-supported systems helped accelerate the identification and coordination of targets. The revelation has drawn attention because it shows how quickly advanced AI tools are moving from civilian applications into military environments.
The announcement has also intensified criticism from groups concerned about the environmental impact of xAI’s data centers. The lawsuit, filed over the company’s use of natural gas turbines in Mississippi, argues that the facilities operate without proper permits and could increase pollution risks for nearby communities. The Justice Department, however, says shutting down the operations could harm U.S. national, economic, and energy security.
The growing use of AI in defense has raised major ethical questions worldwide, including concerns over accountability, human oversight, and the future of automated decision-making in conflicts.
