Pentagon announces new partnership with UAE

The United States has signed a letter of intent with the United Arab Emirates to begin a new "major defense partnership," tapping the Defense Innovation Unit to facilitate potential investments in the co-development of military technologies, according to a Pentagon announcement.

The letter, signed at a ceremony today in Abu Dhabi by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and UAE Minister of State for Defense Affairs Mubarak Al Mazrouei, “represents a shared commitment to develop a structured roadmap that will guide enhanced military-to-military cooperation, joint capability development, and long-term defense alignment between the two nations,” DOD said.

Both nations will now work to develop a “phased framework for advancing bilateral force readiness, interoperability and innovation-driven collaboration,” according to DOD.

The partnership, which is similar to one the United States signed with India in 2016, includes a new “strategic initiative” between DIU and the UAE’s Tawazun Council.

“This collaboration will deepen ties in defense innovation, facilitate joint research and development, and expand industrial and investment partnerships across both defense ecosystems,” DOD said.

The UAE was also formally welcomed into the U.S. National Guard State Partnership Program through a new partnership with the Texas National Guard that is intended to “bolster military modernization efforts and enhance cooperation in integrated air and missile defense, cybersecurity, disaster response and operational planning,” DOD said.

“The designation of the UAE as a Major Defense Partner reflects a decades-long relationship anchored in mutual trust, shared objectives and a common commitment to regional and global security,” DOD said. “It builds on the longstanding record of both countries working side-by-side to counter threats, stabilize conflict zones, and promote security and prosperity in the Middle East and beyond.”