UAE and US to launch world’s first bilateral military AI task force

Abu Dhabi: The UAE and the United States have agreed to establish the world’s first bilateral task force dedicated to accelerating the development of military artificial intelligence applications.

Task Force Talon Synapse will be based in Abu Dhabi and is expected to formally launch in the coming weeks. The team will bring together about 20 American and Emirati specialists in artificial intelligence, data and cybersecurity.

The task force will focus on integrating AI into intelligence support, protecting critical infrastructure and monitoring the regional security environment, according to CENTCOM.

“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,” Adm Brad Cooper, commander of US Central Command, said.

“Together, we and our Emirati partners share a strong commitment to adopting AI applications that will foster innovation at speed and scale.”

The initiative grew out of discussions last year between Admiral Cooper and Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the UAE’s National Security Adviser, over the possibility of creating a joint military AI unit.

CENTCOM officials subsequently met artificial intelligence industry leaders and Emirati defence officials during a visit to the region last month.

The agreement marks a further deepening of defence and technology ties between the UAE and the US, with artificial intelligence increasingly becoming a central component of military planning, intelligence and infrastructure protection.