A major disclosure by the United States government has revealed that an artificial intelligence chatbot developed by Elon Musk was used in a recent military operation involving Iran. The chatbot, known as Grok and created by Musk’s company xAI, was reportedly used to assist in launching thousands of strikes during a high-intensity operation.
According to a legal briefing submitted by the US Department of Justice, Grok played a role in supporting military targeting systems under a programme called Project Maven. The filing stated that AI-supported systems helped US forces deploy more than 2,000 munitions against 2,000 targets within just 96 hours during an operation referred to as Operation Epic Fury.
What is Grok and how was it used in war?
Grok is an advanced AI chatbot developed by xAI, designed to handle complex data and assist in decision-making processes. In this case, a specialised version known as the “Grok Gov Model” was used by the military. It operates within Project Maven, a long-running Pentagon initiative that uses artificial intelligence to analyse surveillance data and identify potential targets more quickly.
How did AI improve military operations?
Cameron Stanley, the Pentagon’s chief digital and artificial intelligence officer, said the system significantly improved operational efficiency. According to him, the Maven Smart Systems enabled rapid identification and engagement of targets, allowing forces to act faster than traditional methods. He highlighted that Grok is among a limited number of AI models capable of supporting national security needs.
Why is this revelation controversial?
The disclosure has sparked debate over the growing use of AI in warfare. Critics argue that relying on AI for targeting raises serious ethical concerns, especially after reports that some US-led strikes caused civilian casualties. Many experts and lawmakers are calling for stronger safeguards to ensure that human decision-makers remain in control of life-and-death choices.
The legal filing is part of a broader lawsuit involving xAI’s data centre operations. The NAACP has accused the company of running gas-powered turbines without proper permits. However, the government argues that restricting these operations could harm national security, as they power critical AI systems used by the military.
First published on: Jun 17, 2026 09:37 AM IST
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