The US and the UAE are creating a joint military task force to accelerate the adoption of artificial intelligence across defense missions in the Middle East.
Task Force Talon Synapse, the first bilateral military AI task force between the United States and the UAE, is expected to become operational in the coming weeks, according to US Central Command (CENTCOM).
The Abu Dhabi-based team will bring together about 20 American and Emirati specialists in AI, data, and cybersecurity to develop and integrate AI-powered capabilities.
Its initial efforts will focus on intelligence support, critical infrastructure protection, and regional security monitoring.
“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,” CENTCOM Commander Adm. Brad Cooper said.
“Together, we and our Emirati partners share a strong commitment to adopting AI applications that will foster innovation at speed and scale.”
AI Alliance in the Making
Talks on creating a bilateral military AI task force began last year, when Cooper met with UAE National Security Advisor Tahnoon bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
CENTCOM also met with AI industry leaders and Emirati defense officials during a regional visit last month, laying the groundwork for the initiative.
The announcement comes as Washington and Abu Dhabi deepen defense cooperation following the UAE’s support for US military operations during Operation Epic Fury.
It also follows the Trump administration’s decision last month to ease AI chip export restrictions, expanding the UAE’s access to advanced American AI technologies.
