U.S. Central Command and the United Arab Emirates have agreed to establish a bilateral task force focused on accelerating military artificial intelligence applications. CENTCOM announced the agreement on July 28, marking a new step in U.S.-Emirati defense technology cooperation.
The effort, dubbed Task Force Talon Synapse, is expected to officially launch in the coming weeks. The Abu Dhabi-based force will be comprised of approximately 20 American and Emirati personnel specializing in AI, data and cybersecurity.
This task force will focus on integrating AI applications into intelligence support and protection of critical infrastructure. CENTCOM said its activities also include monitoring the regional security environment.
“It will be a historic milestone for us to work with one of our most capable regional partners to rapidly deliver evolving AI advances to warfighters,” said Brad Cooper, commander of U.S. Central Command. “Both we and our Emirati partners share a strong commitment to deploying AI applications that drive innovation at speed and scale.”
The agreement follows talks between Mr Cooper and UAE National Security Adviser Sheikh Tahnoun bin Zayed Al Nahyan last year. Both officials discussed the possibility of establishing a dedicated bilateral AI task force.
CENTCOM promoted this initiative during a regional visit last month. As preparations for the task force progressed, U.S. officials met with AI industry leaders and Emirati defense officials.
Task Force Talon Synapse brings together experts from the United States and the United Arab Emirates into a permanent team based in Abu Dhabi. Its mission is focused on moving AI applications more quickly into military and security missions.
