# Google-Pentagon Gemini Classified Negotiations

**Type:** Military AI contract negotiation  
**Status:** Active (as of April 20, 2026)  
**Parties:** Google, U.S. Department of Defense  
**Domain:** Military AI deployment, classified systems  

## Overview

Google is negotiating with the Pentagon to deploy Gemini AI models inside classified systems, following the March 2026 launch of GenAI.mil with Gemini on unclassified networks. The negotiation centers on contract language governing prohibited uses, with Google proposing specific carve-outs rather than accepting the Pentagon's standard 'any lawful use' terms.

## Timeline

- **March 2026** — Pentagon launches GenAI.mil with Google's Gemini as first model on UNCLASSIFIED networks
- **April 16, 2026** — The Information reports Google-Pentagon negotiations for CLASSIFIED deployment
- **April 20, 2026** — Multiple confirmations; negotiations ongoing, no deal closed

## Proposed Terms

Google's proposed contract restrictions:
- Prohibit use for domestic mass surveillance
- Prohibit controlling autonomous weapons without 'appropriate human control'

Pentagon's demand:
- 'All lawful uses' wording (same language that triggered Anthropic dispute)

## Technical Scope

Negotiations include plans to install:
- Racks of GPUs within classified environments
- Google's custom Tensor Processing Units (TPUs) in classified systems (first time for TPUs)

## Competitive Context

- **OpenAI:** Accepted 'any lawful use' language (February 27, 2026)
- **Anthropic:** Refused; designated supply chain risk; $200M contract canceled
- **Google:** Negotiating with carve-outs (current)

## Significance

This negotiation represents the third independent data point confirming 'any lawful use' as the Pentagon's standard military AI contract term. Google's 'appropriate human control' language for autonomous weapons is weaker than Anthropic's categorical prohibition, potentially establishing a process-based middle ground for industry safety standards.

## Sources

- The Information, April 16, 2026
- The Defense Post, April 20, 2026