It’s a chilly March morning at a mid-Atlantic hotel hosting Palantir’s developer conference. Despite the unexpected cold, spirits are high as attendees, including defense contractors and corporate executives, discuss how generative AI is transforming warfare.

The company’s CTO, Shyam Sankar, emphasizes that Palantir builds 'Iron Man suits for cognition,' with their growth in commercial sectors soaring at 120 percent year-over-year. Early employee Ted Mabrey highlights the impact of improved large language models, citing a 17-point margin swing for a fashion business using Palantir's AI system.

Palantir’s roots remain in defense contracting, with CEO Alex Karp asserting that their culture supports warfighters unequivocally. He warns that those not aligned with this ethos have the 'wrong company,' drawing contrasts with Anthropic over AI ethics.

Karp's remarks echo his firm belief in the importance of American industry supporting national defense efforts alongside commercial ventures, as detailed in his recent book chapter on 'The Factory Is the Weapon.' Despite the grim context, Palantir remains focused on providing its warfighters with an 'unfair advantage,' emphasizing their role in ensuring safe returns for American
troops.

The diverse range of keynote speakers—from US Navy vice admirals to corporate executives—reflects Palantir’s broad mission in both defense and commercial sectors. As the world watches Iran, Palantir stands firm on its commitment to military aid over ethical debates, underscoring the complex intersection of technology and warfare.