The U.S. Department of Defense is moving aggressively to modernize its technological edge after Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth announced a new AI acceleration strategy that includes integrating Elon Musk’s xAI platform, Grok, into military networks. The announcement signals a decisive shift toward rapid adoption of advanced artificial intelligence across both unclassified and classified defense systems.

Speaking during a visit to SpaceX’s Texas facility, Hegseth said the Pentagon is committed to deploying the world’s leading AI models throughout the Department of Defense. He emphasized that artificial intelligence will soon be embedded across military networks to support decision-making, logistics, intelligence analysis, and operational readiness.

The visit, held on January 12 as part of Hegseth’s “Arsenal of Freedom” tour, focused on accelerating innovation in critical defense technologies such as AI, drones, and advanced manufacturing. Hegseth praised SpaceX’s Starbase as a symbol of unmatched American ingenuity and contrasted its speed and efficiency with what he described as excessive Pentagon bureaucracy.

In a pointed remark underscoring the administration’s approach, Hegseth pledged to cut defense red tape “Elon Musk style, with a chainsaw,” signaling a cultural shift toward speed, accountability, and results. As part of that effort, the Pentagon will begin integrating xAI’s Grok chatbot later this month for secure, unclassified use, with a focus on practical, war-ready applications rather than ideological constraints.

Officials say the integration of Grok represents an early but significant step in a broader effort to ensure U.S. forces maintain technological superiority over adversaries. The emphasis will be on scalable, adaptable AI tools that can be rapidly updated and deployed across the force.

Elon Musk, speaking alongside defense officials, highlighted the importance of manufacturing scale as a core component of national power. He framed advanced AI and aerospace development as essential not only for defense, but for maintaining long-term American leadership, pointing to SpaceX’s work on next-generation spacecraft as part of a broader vision for the future.

The partnership underscores a growing alignment between the U.S. military and private-sector innovators, as defense leaders push to move faster, think bigger, and leverage cutting-edge technology to meet evolving global threats.