06:56 AM EDT, 03/12/2026 (MT Newswires) -- The United States Department of Defense may continue to use Amazon ( AMZN )-backed (AMZN) Anthropic's AI tools beyond the previously planned six-month phase-out if deemed critical to national security, Reuters reported Thursday, citing an internal memo.

The report said the memo, signed by Pentagon Chief Information Officer Kirsten Davies, states that exemptions may be granted in 'rare and extraordinary circumstances' for mission-critical operations where no viable alternative exists.

Units seeking exemptions must submit a detailed risk-mitigation plan for approval, the report added.

The memo also directs officials to prioritize removing Anthropic products from systems tied to critical missions such as nuclear weapons and ballistic missile defense, while giving contracting officers 30 days to notify contractors and requiring compliance within 180 days, according to Reuters.

Anthropic did not immediately respond to MT Newswires' request for comment.

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