OpenAI hires former defense secretary Mark Esper to expand military AI efforts
OpenAI has appointed Mark Esper, former US Secretary of Defense, as a strategic advisor for its military AI initiatives, announced on November 2, 2026.
The appointment marks a significant shift for OpenAI, which previously prohibited military and warfare applications in its usage policies. The company's defense business appears to be moving from experiment to strategy with this high-profile hire.
Military AI Expansion
OpenAI's military work began in February 2026 when ChatGPT became available on GenAI.mil, the military's generative AI platform designed for up to 3 million users. Weeks later, the company signed an agreement with the Department of Defense to deploy AI models in classified environments.
The agreement reportedly includes boundaries against mass domestic surveillance and autonomous weapons. Additionally, OpenAI has secured unclassified defense contracts valued at up to $200 million.
Policy Reversal
This pivot started in 2024 when OpenAI removed prohibitions on military uses from its policies. The policy shift enabled the GenAI.mil rollout, the classified deployment deal, and the subsequent contract pipeline.
The $200 million in unclassified contracts represents just the beginning. If classified agreements and Esper's connections lead to larger awards, OpenAI's defense revenue could substantially grow. However, the company's stated limitations on surveillance and autonomous weapons may face increasing pressure as government work deepens.
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