Subvolts take Pentagon official details military AI use and the Anthropic contract dispute. Apr 15, 2026 - Developers
- Learn about the U.S. military's AI needs and how they engage with AI companies.
- Business
- Understand the intersection of national security and AI, including supply chain considerations for defense.
This interview provides a candid, first-hand account from a high-ranking Pentagon official on AI in defense and a specific company dispute.
The Pentagon's AI Plan + Behind the Anthropic Fight — With Under Secretary of War Emil Michael
Audio streams from Alex Kantrowitz. Your place is remembered on this device.
From Subvolts
Summary and analysis by Subvolts editorial, AI-assisted.
This Big Technology Podcast episode features Emil Michael, Under Secretary of War for Research and Engineering, discussing AI's role in the Department of War. Michael explains the Pentagon's designation of Anthropic as a supply chain risk, details contract negotiations, and covers military AI applications like targeting systems and drone warfare. The conversation also touches on lessons learned from conflicts and the credibility of military indices.
The episode explains how the U.S. military uses artificial intelligence for things like targeting and drones. It also covers why the Pentagon viewed Anthropic, a major AI company, as a potential problem for its supply chain.
This episode offers a rare, candid look at how the U.S. military integrates AI, from practical applications like drone targeting to strategic decisions like designating Anthropic a supply chain risk. It's for anyone interested in national security, defense technology, and the complex relationship between government and AI companies. The discussion provides context for how major AI labs like Anthropic navigate sensitive government partnerships and potential geopolitical implications, relevant as these labs continue to develop advanced AI.
- HostAlex Kantrowitz
- GuestEmil MichaelUnder Secretary of War for Research and Engineering, The Pentagon
- Guest: Emil Michael, Under Secretary of War for Research and Engineering
- Show: Big Technology Podcast
- Length: 60 minutes
- Topic: Pentagon's AI Plan and Anthropic Contract Negotiations
- Military AI Applications: Targeting systems, drone warfare, cyber defense
- Pentagon's Anthropic Decision: Designated a supply chain risk
Emil Michael is the Under Secretary of War for Research and Engineering at the Pentagon. Michael joins Big Technology to discuss how AI is transforming the Department of War, from targeting systems to drone warfare to cyber defense. Tune in to hear his account of why the Pentagon designated Anthropic a supply chain risk, what actually happened in the contract negotiations, and whether the decision was wise. We also cover how the military's Maven Smart System works in practice, what the U.S. learned from drone warfare in Ukraine and Iran, and whether the Pentagon Pizza Index is credible. Hit play for one of the most candid conversations you'll hear about AI and national security.
---
Questions? Feedback? Write bigtechnologypodcast@gmail.com
Enjoying Big Technology Podcast? Please rate us five stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ in your podcast app of choice.
Want a discount for Big Technology on Substack + Discord? Here’s 25% off for the first year: https://www.bigtechnology.com/subscribe?coupon=0843016b
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
- supply chain risk
- Emil Michael
- potential problems with the companies or materials needed to build or operate technology.
- Maven Smart System
- Emil Michael
- a military system that uses AI to help analyze video feeds, likely from drones.
59 min1 h 0556 min1 h 02Can AI Keep Growing Exponentially? Let’s Ask SemiAnalysis — With Dylan Patel and Jordan Nanos
WithDylan Patel, Jordan Nanos
Same guests, other shows
45 min
1 h 07Canva's CEO on its big pivot to AI enterprise software
WithMelanie Perkins
1 h#335 Sriram Raghavan: Why IBM Is Betting Everything on Small AI Models
WithSriram Raghavan
2 h 101 h 02Questions people ask
- What is the Pentagon's stance on Anthropic?
- The Pentagon designated Anthropic a supply chain risk, and the episode discusses the contract negotiations and the wisdom of this decision.
- How is AI used by the Department of War?
- AI is transforming targeting systems, drone warfare, and cyber defense within the Department of War, according to Under Secretary Emil Michael.
Page generated Oct 19, 2026. Summaries are Subvolts' own; the audio, artwork and notes belong to Alex Kantrowitz.