US and UAE Launch First Joint AI Military Task Force for Defense Operations

US Teams Up With the UAE on AI Military Task Force

U.S. President Donald Trump and UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan (Credit: Pool / Getty) AI use in the US military has had a rocky rollout, most recently with the Pentagon designating Anthropic as a supply-chain risk for refusing to remove certain safeguards. Now it's looking overseas for a joint task force between US Central Command (CENTCOM) and the United Arab Emirates to develop military AI applications. The effort, named Task Force Talon Synapse, is set to launch "in the coming weeks," CENTCOM says, and will focus on "integrating AI applications for intelligence support, protecting critical infrastructure, and monitoring the regional security environment." Task Force Talon Synapse will be based in Abu Dhabi and will consist of about 20 American and Emirati personnel with backgrounds in AI, data, and cybersecurity. "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 Brad Cooper said in a statement. "Together, we and our Emirati partners share a strong commitment to adopting AI applications that will foster innovation at speed and scale." The agreement comes a few months after Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth directed the agency to "accelerate America's Military AI Dominance by becoming an 'AI-first' warfighting force across all components, from front to back." Task Force Talon Synapse has been in the works since at least 2025, when Commander Cooper discussed the idea with UAE National Security Advisor Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed Al Nahyan, CENTCOM says. Tahnoon, brother of UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, is one of the wealthiest men in the world. He has invested billions in AI and holds a 49% stake in the Trump family's cryptocurrency company, The Wall Street Journal reports. Earlier this month, the US Commerce Department announced it would allow the UAE to receive advanced computing items in the UAE without a license, including AI chips and servers. As The Independent reports, that includes G42, the company chaired by Tahnoon. The Biden administration had declined the request in 2023, citing the UAE's connections to China.

US-UAE create first defense technology task force for cybersecurity

The U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) and the United Arab Emirates are preparing to launch a joint military task force dedicated to artificial intelligence, marking the first bilateral initiative of its kind between the two partners. The new unit, called Task Force Talon Synapse, will develop and field AI-powered capabilities for military operations, with an emphasis on intelligence, infrastructure security, and regional threat monitoring. CENTCOM expects to formally activate the task force in the coming weeks. The team will operate from Abu Dhabi and bring together about 20 American and Emirati specialists with backgrounds in artificial intelligence, data science, and cybersecurity. The initiative reflects Washington's growing push to integrate artificial intelligence into defense operations alongside trusted regional allies. Instead of focusing on research alone, Task Force Talon Synapse will work on turning emerging AI technologies into practical tools that military personnel can use in the field. Adm. Brad Cooper, commander of U.S. Central Command, described the effort as a major step for the partnership. "This will be a historic milestone," Cooper said, adding that the two countries aim to deliver evolving AI capabilities to warfighters more quickly. He said both partners share a commitment to adopting AI technologies that encourage innovation at speed and scale. The task force will initially concentrate on three operational areas. Teams will develop AI applications for intelligence support, strengthen the protection of critical infrastructure, and improve monitoring of the regional security environment. The idea for the joint task force did not emerge overnight. Cooper and UAE National Security Advisor Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed Al Nahyan first discussed creating such a unit last year as both governments explored ways to deepen cooperation on advanced technologies. That effort gained momentum in recent months. CENTCOM officials met with Emirati defense representatives and artificial intelligence industry leaders during a regional visit last month to refine the concept before announcing the partnership. Unlike many defense collaborations that revolve around equipment purchases, the new organization will place technical specialists from both countries in the same operational team. That structure could help accelerate testing, development, and deployment of AI-driven military applications. The agreement also fits into the UAE's broader strategy of embedding artificial intelligence across its defense sector. For several years, the Gulf nation has pursued partnerships with technology companies to strengthen autonomous systems, advanced analytics, and digital security capabilities. One example came through its collaboration with Anduril to co-produce autonomous drones designed for defense missions. The UAE has also expanded government support for artificial intelligence across civilian and military programs, treating the technology as a long-term national priority. AI cooperation has increasingly featured in discussions between Washington and Abu Dhabi. During Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed Al Nahyan's visit to the White House in March 2025, officials from both countries discussed artificial intelligence, emerging technologies, and broader bilateral ties. Task Force Talon Synapse represents another step in that relationship, giving both militaries a dedicated team to move AI projects from concept to operational use. If successful, the model could influence how the United States approaches future AI partnerships with allied nations.