In a formal ceremony held at the Ministry of Defense in Abu Dhabi, Mohammed bin Mubarak Al Mazrouei, the UAE Minister of State for Defense, and Pete Hegseth, the US Secretary of Defense, signed a letter of intent to establish a major defense partnership between the United States and the United Arab Emirates.

This letter indicates a joint commitment to develop a structured roadmap aimed at enhancing mutual military cooperation, developing capabilities, and achieving long-term alignment in defense matters between the two countries.

The parties will collaborate to create a phased framework designed to bolster bilateral readiness, increase interoperability, and deepen cooperation based on innovation.

As part of this partnership, the US Secretary of Defense announced a new strategic initiative between the US Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) and the Tawazun Council in the UAE.

This collaboration is aimed at deepening engagement in defense innovation, facilitating joint research and development, and expanding industrial and investment partnerships between the two nations' defense ecosystems.

Additionally, the UAE's formal accession to the State Partnership Program (SPP) through a partnership with the Texas National Guard has been welcomed.

This partnership is expected to enhance military modernization efforts, strengthen collaboration in integrated air and missile defense, cybersecurity, disaster response, and operational planning.

The designation of the UAE as a major defense partner of the United States reflects a relationship that has spanned decades, built on mutual trust, common objectives, and a joint commitment to regional and global security.

This classification is also based on a long history of cooperation between the two countries in addressing threats, stabilizing conflict zones, and promoting the security and prosperity of the Middle East.