U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) and the United Arab Emirates agreed on Tuesday to create the first bilateral task force focused on accelerating the development of military artificial intelligence applications.
The Task Force Talon Synapse will focus on integrating AI applications for intelligence support, protecting critical infrastructure and monitoring regional security. It will be based in Abu Dhabi and will comprise approximately 20 Americans and Emiratis who are AI, data and cybersecurity experts. A formal launch is scheduled for later this year.
“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, CENTCOM commander said. “Together, we and our Emirati partners share a strong commitment to adopting AI applications that will foster innovation at speed and scale.”
Cooper met with UAE National Security Advisor Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed Al Nahyan last year to discuss the idea of forming a task force. In June, CENTCOM met with AI industry leaders and Emirati defense officials.
Earlier this month, Cooper met with senior military officials from 12 Middle Eastern nations, including the United Arab Emirates, to discuss opportunities for enhancing defense collaboration throughout the region.