The UAE and US are crucial security partners. The two countries’ armed forces collaborate to protect shared interests, defeat extremism and maintain stability in the Middle East and around the world.
- From F-16s to cutting-edge radar systems and C-17 aircraft, US-supplied defense systems help the UAE and US achieve common defense objectives.
- Through major exercises like Red Flag, Iron Union and Native Fury, UAE and US soldiers train side-by-side.
- The UAE is the most frequent port of call for the US Navy outside the United States.
This cooperation creates a depth of interoperability that helps the UAE and US provide security and impose deterrence in the Middle East and globally.
Beyond the battlefield, the UAE and US coordinate to counter the root causes of extremism, prevent radicalization and block illicit funds.
Military Assistance and Cooperation
Bilateral security cooperation has broadened significantly since the 1990 Gulf War. Recognizing shared strategic interests and priorities, the UAE and US signed a formal defense cooperation agreement in 1994, providing for joint training and exercises, the prepositioning of US military equipment in the UAE and the transfer of advanced weapons systems. An updated defense cooperation agreement came into force in May 2019.
In 2025, UAE and US officials signed a letter of intent to establish a comprehensive US-UAE Major Defense Partnership. This development builds on President Trump’s recognition of the UAE as a Major Security Partner in 2021 and President Biden’s designation of the UAE as a Major Defense Partner in 2024.
The UAE and US participated together in six coalition actions over the last 30 years: Afghanistan, Libya, Somalia, Bosnia-Kosovo, the 1990 Gulf War and the fight against ISIS. The UAE is the only Arab nation to participate in each of these engagements.
- Afghanistan: UAE special forces fought alongside US and coalition soldiers in Afghanistan for more than a decade. From 2012 to 2014, the UAE Air Force committed F-16s to support the NATO-led security mission in Afghanistan. Gen. John Allen, then the top US commander in Afghanistan, considered UAE pilots to be among the highest trained in the coalition and utilized their skills to fly close air-support missions to protect coalition forces on the ground.
- Somalia: In 1992 the UAE joined other countries, led by the US Central Command, to secure the environment and provide humanitarian relief. The UAE is also fighting piracy and helping to stabilize Somalia.
- Bosnia-Kosovo: The UAE was among the first non-NATO states to express support for NATO’s air operations. The UAE participated in peacekeeping operations, and provided humanitarian assistance during and after the conflict.
- 1990 Gulf War: The UAE was one of the first countries to support the United States at the advent of the war.
- NATO-led Intervention in Libya: In 2011, the UAE committed six F-16s, among other fighter aircraft, to participate in patrols that enforced the United Nations-imposed no-fly zone over Libya. The UAE Air Force partnered closely with the US 363rd Flying Training Group at Al Dhafra Air Base in Abu Dhabi to prepare for the mission. Well-established relationships with US counterparts enabled the UAE F-16s to deploy to theater within 72 hours, providing timely support to US and coalition forces.
- Fight Against ISIS: The UAE was a contributing member of the Global Coalition Against ISIS (Deash) beginning in the early days of the military operation against ISIS targets. UAE Air Force F-16 pilot Major Mariam Al Mansouri became the first Emirati woman to fly combat missions, spearheading airstrikes against ISIS positions in Syria.
The UAE provides ongoing and essential support for US forces, and contributes to efforts to fight terrorism and extremism, while working to increase stability and peace in the region. The UAE is:
- Combating extremists affiliated with groups such as Al Qaeda and the Muslim Brotherhood.
- Providing critical logistics support for US Navy fleet operations; US Naval vessels visit UAE ports more than any other foreign ports in the world.
- Coordinating with the US to share intelligence and support logistics to protect shared interests.
- Hosting the Joint Air Warfare Center and joint training exercises with US forces.
- Hosting the headquarters for Hedayah, the Global Center for Excellence in Countering Violent Extremism.
Shutting Down Terror Finance Networks
The UAE has frozen the accounts of known terrorists and enacted aggressive anti-money-laundering initiatives. The UAE joined the International Convention on the Suppression of the Financing of Terrorism in 2005, and has continued to introduce and enforce enhanced counter-terrorist financing laws and regulations over the past two decades. In 2021, the UAE established an Executive Office of Anti-Money Laundering and Counter Terrorism Financing to lead the implementation of the UAE’s whole-of-government AML/CFT strategy, in close coordination with the FATF and other regional and global entities, including the US Government.
Protecting Global Shipping
The UAE is a critical partner in preventing the transshipment of illicit materials and weapons of mass destruction, with Dubai being the first Middle East entity to join the US Container Security Initiative (CSI), which stations US Customs officers inside Dubai's ports to screen containers. As a Major Defense Partner of the United States, the UAE plays a vital role in maintaining maritime security in the Middle East region, protecting vital shipping routes that bring energy and other key products to the US and global markets. Additionally, the UAE continues to innovate through initiatives such as Satgate, which leverages satellite and AI technologies to monitor vessels calling at UAE ports.
Preventing the Spread of Dangerous Nuclear Materials
The UAE has implemented robust regulatory frameworks and joined international treaties, such as the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty and the IAEA safeguards, to prevent the spread of dangerous nuclear materials. It has also joined the International Convention on the Suppression of Acts of Nuclear Terrorism and is a signatory to the Arab Convention for the Suppression of Terrorism. As a responsible operator of civilian nuclear power, the UAE has established the Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation (FANR) to oversee nuclear safety, security and material control, and actively participates in global initiatives to enhance nuclear security and counter illicit trafficking.
In addition, Dubai was the first Middle East entity to join the Megaports Initiative, a multinational effort equipping ports with radiation detection equipment to deter, detect and interdict illicit trafficking of nuclear materials through seaports.