US Government Document: Musk's AI Model Grok Used by US Military to Target Iran

Central Message

(CNA, San Francisco, June 16 — International News Report) According to a US government legal document obtained by AFP, Elon Musk's artificial intelligence (AI) tool Grok was used by the US military to support strikes against Iran.

AFP reports that the document, dated June 15, defends the use of gas turbines at xAI, the large-scale data center operated by Musk's company, which is currently facing an environmental lawsuit.

The US Department of Justice argues in the filing that the lawsuit 'attempts to cut off power supply to AI innovation technologies supporting the Department of Defense's military operations, threatening US national, economic, and energy security.'

To strengthen its argument, federal prosecutors submitted sworn testimony from Cameron Stanley, the Pentagon's Chief of AI. Stanley stated under oath that Grok has been used in 'Project Maven,' the military's AI-assisted targeting program, which initially used Anthropic's Claude model.

Stanley's testimony notes that the Maven Smart Systems (MSS) 'enabled the US military to deliver over 2,000 munitions to more than 2,000 distinct targets within 96 hours during Operation Epic Fury.'

Stanley praised Musk's technology, stating that the 'government version of the Grok model has significantly enhanced operational efficiency.'

The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) has sued xAI, alleging the company operates dozens of turbines without permits, violating the Clean Air Act.

The NAACP claims these turbines pollute communities predominantly inhabited by African American residents. In response, xAI argues the turbines are temporary and mobile units, thus exempt from certain regulatory requirements. (Translated by Hung Pei-Ying) 1150617