Amazon has confirmed that customers using Amazon Web Services (AWS) can continue accessing Anthropic’s Claude AI models, but the technology will not be allowed for workloads related to the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD).
The announcement comes after U.S. authorities recently classified Anthropic as a potential “supply chain risk,” creating uncertainty around the use of its artificial intelligence technology in defense-related projects.
Despite this restriction, Amazon clarified that Claude will remain available for most commercial workloads on AWS.
AWS Customers Can Continue Using Claude AI
In an official statement, an AWS spokesperson said customers and partners can continue using Claude AI models for projects that are not connected to defense activities.
However, organizations currently using Anthropic technology in defense-related projects will need to transition to alternative AI solutions available within the AWS ecosystem.
This move ensures that AWS clients can continue using AI tools while also complying with new government guidelines.
U.S. Government Flags Anthropic as Supply Chain Risk
The policy shift follows a decision by U.S. authorities to label Anthropic as a supply chain risk for defense operations.
According to reports, the designation requires defense contractors and vendors to certify that they are not using Anthropic’s AI models in projects related to the Pentagon.
Anthropic has responded by saying it plans to challenge the designation in court, arguing that the decision could negatively impact the AI ecosystem and innovation.
Trump Administration’s Order Intensifies AI Debate
The situation escalated further after U.S. President Donald Trump reportedly instructed federal agencies to stop using Anthropic technology.
The directive came after Anthropic declined a request from the Department of Defense that would have allowed unrestricted use of its AI systems for all lawful defense applications.
This disagreement has sparked broader discussions about AI governance, national security, and corporate responsibility in emerging technologies.
Major Cloud Providers Respond
Amazon is not the only cloud provider addressing the issue.
Both Microsoft and Google have also confirmed that Anthropic’s Claude models will remain accessible in their platforms for non-defense workloads.
This coordinated response from major cloud companies aims to reassure businesses that AI services will continue operating normally outside military projects.
Amazon’s Strong Partnership With Anthropic
Amazon remains one of Anthropic’s biggest investors and strategic partners.
Since 2023, Amazon has invested around $8 billion in the AI startup. The partnership also includes major infrastructure collaborations.
For example:
- Anthropic plans to use 500,000 Amazon Trainium 2 chips
- AWS is building an $11 billion AI data center campus, known as Project Rainier, to support Anthropic’s operations
- Claude models are integrated into AWS Bedrock, Amazon’s platform for accessing multiple AI models
AWS also serves as Anthropic’s primary cloud and training infrastructure partner.
Anthropic’s Expansion into Government AI Projects
Anthropic had previously expanded its presence in government technology programs.
In 2024, the company partnered with Palantir and AWS to provide AI tools to defense and intelligence agencies.
Later, Anthropic secured a $200 million contract with the U.S. Department of Defense, becoming one of the first AI labs to integrate its models into classified mission systems.
However, the new supply chain risk designation may now reshape how AI startups collaborate with defense agencies.
Conclusion
Amazon’s decision to keep Anthropic’s Claude AI available on AWS highlights the growing complexity of balancing AI innovation, government regulation, and national security concerns.
While the technology remains widely accessible for commercial use, restrictions on defense-related workloads reflect increasing scrutiny of artificial intelligence in sensitive sectors.
As governments continue to develop policies around AI security and accountability, collaborations between cloud providers and AI startups may face new regulatory challenges in the years ahead.
