US, UAE Expand Defense Partnership With New AI Task Force
The bilateral initiative will focus on applying AI to intelligence analysis, infrastructure protection, and operational awareness.
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[Image: Nomita Samaiyar/MITSMR Middle East]
The US Central Command (CENTCOM) and the United Arab Emirates have established a bilateral task force to accelerate the development and deployment of artificial intelligence capabilities for military operations.
Known as Talon Synapse, the task force will bring together 20 US and Emirati specialists in artificial intelligence, data science, and cybersecurity. Officials said the initiative is expected to be formally launched in the coming weeks.
According to CENTCOM, the task force will apply AI to areas including intelligence analysis, infrastructure protection, and operational awareness, with the goal of accelerating innovation across military operations.
“This will be a historic milestone as we work with one of our most capable regional partners to rapidly deliver evolving AI advancements to our warfighters,” said Adm. Brad Cooper, commander of US Central Command.
CENTCOM said the initiative grew out of discussions between Cooper and UAE National Security Advisor Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed Al Nahyan last year. It builds on the US-UAE Major Defense Partnership, announced in 2025, which established a framework to strengthen force readiness, interoperability, and defense innovation.
The United States and the UAE have maintained close defense ties since signing a bilateral defense cooperation agreement in 1994, conducting joint military training and expanding cooperation on regional security.
The new task force also aligns with the UAE’s broader push to integrate AI across critical sectors, including government, public services, and national security. This year, the country has announced AI initiatives spanning weather forecasting, government operations, procurement, auditing, and judicial services.
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