Pentagon integrates AI into wargaming via $80 million contract

The Pentagon is integrating artificial intelligence into its wargaming capabilities, a move that experts warn could expose the military to “AI hallucinations.” These hallucinations occur when large language models produce outputs that appear coherent but are factually incorrect or nonsensical.

Boston-based AI firm Code Metal has been awarded an $80 million contract to implement AI into WarMatrix, the Department of Defense’s wargaming program. While the Air Force is using AI to accelerate and expand existing modeling and simulation infrastructure, critics argue that because hallucinations are “inevitable,” their use in military applications could lead to serious consequences.

Some analysts have raised concerns regarding the role of AI in recent conflicts, including speculation regarding a strike on an Iranian school. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has stated that the U.S. does not deliberately target civilians, though investigations into such incidents are often ongoing.