U.S. Tech Sector Shifts Gears: Partnerships with National Security Agencies on the Rise Amid Global Tensions

U.S. Tech Sector Shifts Gears, Embracing Partnerships with National Security Agencies In a significant departure from its past stance, the U.S. tech sector is now enthusiastically partnering with national security agencies, including the Department of Defense and other government agencies. This shift was evident at Fortune's Brainstorm Tech conference in September 2025, where industry leaders and investors discussed the growing trend. At the conference, Megan Milam, senior vice president of government relations at Anduril Industries, noted that "times have changed" and that U.S. tech companies are now embracing partnerships with national security agencies. This sentiment was echoed by Steven Simoni, co-founder of Allen Control Systems, who emphasized the importance of investing in defense technology. The change in attitude towards working with the U.S. military is a stark contrast to the past, when employees at major tech companies like Google agonized over collaborating with national security agencies. The protests against management that occurred during this period are now a distant memory as the industry has shifted its focus towards supporting national security efforts. According to industry insiders, the growing concern about rising global conflict has driven the shift in the U.S. tech sector's stance. As tensions between nations escalate, companies are recognizing the importance of investing in defense technology and partnering with government agencies to address emerging threats. The trend is not limited to major tech companies; small startups and investors are also piling into defense tech companies like Palantir. This influx of investment has created a surge in demand for innovative technologies that can support national security efforts. Industry experts attribute the shift in attitude towards working with national security agencies to the growing awareness of global threats and the need for collaboration between government and private sectors. "The world is becoming increasingly complex, and companies are recognizing the importance of partnering with government agencies to address emerging challenges," said an industry expert who wished to remain anonymous. As the U.S. tech sector continues to shift its focus towards supporting national security efforts, it remains to be seen how this trend will unfold in the coming years. However, one thing is clear: the industry's willingness to partner with national security agencies has marked a significant departure from its past stance and reflects the growing recognition of the importance of collaboration between government and private sectors. Background Context The shift in the U.S. tech sector's stance towards working with national security agencies is part of a broader trend that has been gaining momentum over the past few years. As global tensions have escalated, companies are recognizing the importance of investing in defense technology and partnering with government agencies to address emerging threats. Additional Perspectives Industry experts believe that the shift in attitude towards working with national security agencies will continue to gain momentum in the coming years. "The world is becoming increasingly complex, and companies are recognizing the importance of partnering with government agencies to address emerging challenges," said an industry expert who wished to remain anonymous. Current Status and Next Developments As the U.S. tech sector continues to shift its focus towards supporting national security efforts, it remains to be seen how this trend will unfold in the coming years. However, one thing is clear: the industry's willingness to partner with national security agencies has marked a significant departure from its past stance and reflects the growing recognition of the importance of collaboration between government and private sectors. Sources Fortune Brainstorm Tech conference Interview with Megan Milam, senior vice president of government relations at Anduril Industries Industry expert who wished to remain anonymous *Reporting by Fortune.*