US, UAE launch world’s first bilateral AI military task force in Abu Dhabi
Team of 20 experts to accelerate defence technology development
ABU DHABI – The United States Central Command (CENTCOM) and the United Arab Emirates have agreed to establish the world's first bilateral military task force dedicated to accelerating artificial intelligence applications for defence.
Named Task Force Talon Synapse, the initiative will be based in Abu Dhabi and is expected to begin operations in the coming weeks.
The agreement was announced on July 28, marking a new phase in military cooperation between the two countries.
AI military task force
The task force will comprise around 20 American and Emirati specialists with expertise in artificial intelligence, data analysis and cybersecurity. According to CENTCOM, the team will focus on integrating AI into intelligence support, protecting critical infrastructure and monitoring the regional security environment.
CENTCOM Commander Admiral Brad Cooper described the agreement as a "historic milestone", saying the partnership with one of Washington's closest regional allies would rapidly deliver evolving AI capabilities to warfighters while promoting innovation at speed and scale.
The concept for the task force was first discussed last year during talks between Admiral Cooper and UAE National Security Advisor Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed Al Nahyan. CENTCOM also met AI industry leaders and Emirati defence officials during a visit to the region last month before finalising the agreement.
The announcement comes amid heightened tensions in the Middle East, with the United States involved in military operations against Iran and the UAE having faced Iranian missile and drone attacks. However, CENTCOM has not indicated whether Task Force Talon Synapse is directly connected to ongoing military operations, stating only that its primary mission will centre on advancing AI applications for intelligence, infrastructure protection and regional security monitoring.