Pentagon Removes 25 Years of Weapons Testing Reports to Enhance Security Against AI Threats

• •The Pentagon removed 25 years of unclassified weapons testing reports on July 30, 2026.
• •The decision aims to prevent foreign adversaries from using AI to exploit public data for intelligence.
• •Critics highlight the move reduces oversight and transparency at a critical time for defense evaluations.

On July 30, 2026, the Pentagon removed unclassified annual reports from its independent weapons testing office, the DOT&E, citing concerns that artificial intelligence could convert this data into classified intelligence. The decision affects 25 years of reports that were previously accessible to Congress and the public. This move is framed as a proactive measure to protect U.S. military vulnerabilities from foreign adversaries using AI tools for data aggregation. Critics argue that this action, coupled with recent staffing reductions in oversight, creates a visibility gap for Congress and independent researchers. The Department of Defense maintains that it will continue to meet statutory requirements while ensuring information protection. The transition to a secure environment raises legal concerns regarding compliance with transparency laws. The removal of these reports limits the ability of defense contractors and analysts to assess the performance of military programs.