On Tuesday, July 28, 2026, U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) announced an agreement with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to establish the first bilateral task force aimed at accelerating the development of military applications of machine-learning algorithms and artificial intelligence.
Image: CENTCOM
Task Force Talon Synapse, comprising personnel from the U.S. and UAE armed forces, is expected to formally begin operations in the coming weeks. Based in Abu Dhabi, the team will consist of approximately 20 U.S. and Emirati specialists in artificial intelligence, 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,” said Adm. Brad Cooper, CENTCOM commander. “Together, we and our Emirati partners share a strong commitment to adopting AI applications that will foster innovation at speed and scale.”
Last year, Adm. Brad Cooper and UAE National Security Adviser Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed Al Nahyan discussed the potential establishment of the task force. During a visit to the region last month, the CENTCOM commander met with leaders from the artificial intelligence industry and representatives of the UAE defense sector.
Task Force Talon Synapse will focus on integrating AI applications for intelligence support, protecting critical infrastructure, and monitoring the regional security environment.
The United Arab Emirates has sought to position itself as a regional leader in artificial intelligence for several years. In 2019, it announced the establishment of the Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence, which was founded in Masdar in April 2020.
The UAE was also among the first countries to create a government post dedicated to artificial intelligence. The position is currently held by Omar Al Olama, Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy and Remote Work Applications.
In April 2025, during U.S. President Donald Trump’s visit to the United Arab Emirates, plans were announced to build a 5 GW UAE-U.S. AI campus. Trump also visited Saudi Arabia and Qatar.
Following prolonged efforts to secure U.S. approval for the purchase of high-performance Nvidia processors regarded as essential for AI development, the United Arab Emirates received its first shipment of the semiconductors in June this year.
In early July, the United States announced that it would significantly upgrade the UAE’s export status in recognition of its defense support, including during the war with Iran.
According to the Office of the United States Trade Representative, bilateral trade between the United States and the United Arab Emirates reached 34.4 billion USD last year.
— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) July 28, 2026