# AWS Opens Secret Cloud for Defense

_AWS Secret Cloud for Industry allows cleared defense contractors to run classified workloads on AWS, backed by a $20M accelerator program._

**Updated:** 2026-08-22
**Published:** 2026-06-30
**Source:** https://www.startuphub.ai/ai-news/technology/2026/aws-opens-secret-cloud-for-defense

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Amazon Web Services (AWS) has launched AWS Secret Cloud for Industry (ASCI), a managed service designed to let cleared U.S. defense contractors and related organizations run their own classified workloads directly on AWS infrastructure. This move aims to bypass the traditional, capital-intensive requirement for contractors to build and manage their own on-premises classified systems, a process that often hinders rapid adoption of modern technologies like generative AI.

Defense contractors' old systemsDriver

From the article 5 mentionsThis move aims to bypass the traditional, capital-intensive requirement for contractors to build and manage their own on-premises classified systems, a process that often hinders rapid adoption of modern technologies like generative AI.leads toAWS Secret CloudCoreFrom the article 3 mentionsAmazon Web Services (AWS) has launched AWS Secret Cloud for Industry (ASCI), a managed service designed to let cleared U.S. defense contractors and related organizations run their own classified workloads directly on AWS infrastructure.Provisional Authorization IL6Contextmeets standards for Secret-classified information from DISAFrom the articleThe new offering holds Provisional Authorization at Impact Level 6 from the Defense Information Systems Agency, meeting standards for Secret-classified information.$20M Accelerator ProgramEffectsupports adoption and innovation for defense contractorsFrom the articleAWS is backing the initiative with an accelerator program, offering up to $20 million in credits.Northrop Grumman FirstCoreFrom the article 2 mentionsNorthrop Grumman is the first defense contractor to deploy classified workloads using ASCI.enablesAccelerating Defense InnovationEffectbypasses capital-intensive on-premises classified system requirementsFrom the articleThis service aligns with broader U.S. defense strategies focused on modernizing acquisitions and fostering speed and innovation within the defense industrial base.
The new offering holds Provisional Authorization at Impact Level 6 from the Defense Information Systems Agency, meeting standards for Secret-classified information. AWS guides organizations through the necessary authorization and network connection processes, ensuring compliance with existing frameworks.

## Northrop Grumman Leads the Way

Northrop Grumman is the first defense contractor to deploy classified workloads using ASCI. Previously, setting up such a workload in the AWS Secret-East Region would have involved months of hardware procurement and facility setup.

"Migrating our critical classified programs to the AWS Secret Cloud for Industry solution fundamentally changes how we develop and scale sensitive programs at speed," stated Drew Barnes, VP of IT infrastructure and operations at Northrop Grumman.

## Accelerating Defense Innovation

AWS is backing the initiative with an accelerator program, offering up to $20 million in credits. This fund is intended to help defense industrial base companies, research centers, and system integrators migrate their classified workloads to the cloud.

This service aligns with broader U.S. defense strategies focused on modernizing acquisitions and fostering speed and innovation within the defense industrial base.

AWS Secret Cloud for Industry is currently available in the AWS Secret-East Region. The service is open to eligible organizations operating under Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA) oversight. You can read more about the announcement on [Amazon News](https://www.aboutamazon.com/news/aws/aws-secret-cloud-for-industry-defense-contractors?utm_source=rss).

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Original analysis from [startuphub.ai](https://www.startuphub.ai), the #1 AI startup directory.