CENTCOM to launch 1st military AI task force with UAE

U.S. Central Command announced an agreement with the United Arab Emirates on July 28 to establish the first bilateral task force focused on accelerating the development of military artificial intelligence.

The joint effort, named Task Force Talon Synapse, is set to formally launch in the coming weeks. The Abu Dhabi-based team will bring together roughly 20 American and Emirati personnel with expertise in AI, data and cybersecurity, and will focus on integrating AI for intelligence support, protecting critical infrastructure and monitoring the regional security environment.

CENTCOM commander Adm. Brad Cooper called the partnership a historic milestone, saying the U.S. would work with one of its most capable regional partners to rapidly deliver evolving AI advancements to warfighters. He said both sides share a commitment to adopting AI applications that foster innovation at speed and scale.

The idea took shape last year in discussions between Cooper and UAE National Security Advisor Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed Al Nahyan. CENTCOM followed up last month with a regional trip to meet AI industry leaders and Emirati defense officials.