WASHINGTON: Artificial intelligence tool Grok, developed by Grok, has been referenced in US military-related operations, according to a legal briefing cited by AFP and filed in a US court on June 15.
The Department of Justice said in the filing that ongoing litigation against xAI could affect infrastructure supporting artificial intelligence systems allegedly used in national security applications, including those linked to defence operations.
The brief stated that the lawsuit over gas turbines powering an xAI data centre “threatens American national, economic, and energy security” by potentially disrupting AI systems supporting military functions.
According to testimony from Pentagon AI chief Cameron Stanley, Grok is being used within Project Maven, a US defence programme focused on integrating artificial intelligence into military targeting systems. Project Maven is overseen by the United States Department of Defense and has previously used AI models developed by multiple private firms.
Stanley’s statement, cited in the filing, claims that Maven Smart Systems enabled US forces to deploy more than 2,000 munitions against 2,000 targets within 96 hours during a recent operation. He also described improved operational efficiency linked to a “Grok Gov Model.”
The legal case has been brought by the NAACP, which alleges that xAI is operating multiple gas turbines without proper environmental permits. The group argues the facilities are contributing to pollution in predominantly Black neighbourhoods, in violation of the Clean Air Act.
xAI has responded that the turbines are temporary and mobile, and therefore not subject to the regulatory requirements cited in the lawsuit.
The report also notes a broader shift in US defence procurement of AI systems. Earlier this year, the government ended certain contracts with Anthropic after the company declined to permit fully automated strikes and mass surveillance use cases.
Following that decision, US defence agencies reportedly expanded engagement with firms including Google and OpenAI, alongside xAI, to support military AI development.
The Pentagon has not independently confirmed operational details cited in the filing. However, internal debate continues within US technology firms, with employee groups at several companies expressing concern over military applications of artificial intelligence.
SpaceX, founded by Elon Musk, has also been increasingly linked in US defence and space operations amid broader integration of private-sector technologies into government programmes.
The legal proceedings remain ongoing.