Training versions of AI models on classified data is expected to make them more accurate and effective in certain tasks, according to a US defense official who spoke on background with MIT Technology Review. The news comes as demand for more powerful models is high: the Pentagon has reached agreements with OpenAI and Elon Musk's xAI to operate their models in classified settings, and is implementing a new agenda to become an "an 'AI-first' warfighting force" as the conflict with Iran escalates. (The Pentagon did not comment on its AI training plans as of publication time.)