The United Arab Emirates is one of the United States’ most prominent security and military partners in the Middle East, with cooperation spanning several areas, including counterterrorism, maritime security, cybersecurity
and defense technology.
To reinforce such cooperation, the countries signed a letter of intent (LOI) in May 2025 to establish a comprehensive U.S.-UAE Major Defense Partnership. The signatories in Abu Dhabi were Mohammed Mubarak Al Mazrouei, Minister of State for Defence Affairs of the UAE, and Pete Hegseth, U.S. Secretary of War.
Intended to develop a road map that guides bilateral military cooperation, the LOI also represents a shared commitment to enhance defense capability and interoperability.
Consequently, a new strategic initiative between the U.S. Defense Innovation Unit and the Tawazun Council — an independent UAE government entity working closely with the UAE Ministry of Defence and security agencies to enhance defense — was launched as part of the partnership. This collaboration would encourage joint research and development, innovation and investment in both countries’ defense industries.
The UAE also has joined the U.S. National Guard State Partnership Program, which pairs National Guard units from various U.S. states with militaries in other countries. The UAE has been paired with the Texas National Guard.
The pairing “will bolster military modernization efforts and enhance cooperation in integrated air and missile defense, cybersecurity, disaster response and operational planning,” the U.S. Department of War announced.
Furthermore, in May 2025 the U.S. State Department approved a potential $1.5 billion military sale that includes the UAE acquiring CH-47F Chinook helicopters and components and spare parts for F-16 aircraft.
The approval reflects a U.S. foreign policy focused on its strategic allies in the Arabian Gulf region and comes amid growing security challenges, most notably Iranian threats, both direct and indirect through the use of regional proxies.
Given the escalating tensions in the region, recent military cooperation between Abu Dhabi and Washington has increased significantly. Abu Dhabi has participated alongside the U.S. in several military operations as part of the international coalition to combat Daesh, and also hosts U.S. Soldiers and strategic military facilities to enhance regional stability.
The decades-long strong partnership and mutual trust between the two countries culminated in the U.S. designating the UAE as a Major Defense Partner in September 2024, giving Abu Dhabi unparalleled opportunities for partnering with the U.S. in the defense sector.
Sources: The Emirati Center for Strategic Studies and Research, U.S. National Guard, U.S. Department of War