US CENTCOM, UAE launch world's first AI military task force: Here's how it will work
The task force will work to deliver evolving AI advancements to warfighters
Published July 28, 2026
United States Central Command (CENTCOM) has announced a new joint military venture with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in a bid to enhance artificial intelligence (AI) integration into military technology. The two states reached an agreement on Tuesday, July 28, to accelerate the development of military AI applications.
The world’s first AI task force, named Talon Synapse, based in Abu Dhabi will consist of 20 American and Emirati experts from their respective fields, including artificial intelligence, data analysis and cybersecurity.
The task force is expected to be officially launched in the coming weeks.
CENTCOM Commander Admiral Brad Cooper has hailed the agreement, describing the joint venture as a “historic milestone.”
He said: “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. Together, we and our Emirati partners share a strong commitment to adopting AI applications that will foster innovation at speed and scale.”
According to CENTCOM, the task force will be focused on integration of AI applications for intelligence support, protection of critical infrastructure and surveillance of regional security environments.
The plans for the joint task force were discussed last year; however, the agreement comes at a time when the U.S. is involved in a war against the Islamic Republic of Iran and UAE has come under attack by Iranian missiles and drones.
CENTCOM has not said whether the new task force is directly linked to ongoing military operations in the region.
