United States–United Arab Emirates (UAE) Military Partnership

The United States–United Arab Emirates (UAE) military partnership is a highly strategic defense relationship built on counterterrorism cooperation, arms sales, regional security, and military basing agreements. The UAE is a Major Non-NATO Ally (MNNA) of the U.S., hosting American military personnel and advanced defense systems to enhance Gulf security, deter Iranian threats, and support coalition operations. The partnership is underpinned by bilateral defense agreements, including the 1994 Defense Cooperation Agreement (DCA), which facilitates U.S. military access to Emirati bases and joint training operations.

History and Strategic Context

Cold War and Early Defense Ties (1971–1990s): The UAE, after gaining independence in 1971, initially aligned with Britain and Gulf Arab states for security. The 1991 Gulf War strengthened UAE-U.S. defense ties, as the U.S. expanded its military presence in the Gulf.
Post-9/11 Counterterrorism and Military Expansion (2000s–2010s): The UAE became a key partner in the War on Terror, supporting U.S. and NATO operations in Afghanistan. It deployed special forces alongside U.S. units for counterterrorism missions in Yemen, Libya, and Somalia.
Modernization and Strategic Expansion (2020–Present): The UAE has sought advanced U.S. weapons systems, including the controversial F-35 fighter jet deal(later stalled due to U.S. concerns over China-UAE ties). The U.S. reinforced air and missile defense cooperation amid Iranian threats and Houthi drone attackson UAE infrastructure.

Key Defense Agreements and Initiatives

U.S.-UAE Defense Cooperation Agreement (DCA) (1994, Renewed 2019): Grants U.S. military forces access to UAE bases, supporting regional deployments. Strengthens joint counterterrorism and security coordination.
Major Non-NATO Ally (MNNA) Status (2022): Enhances UAE’s priority access to U.S. military technology and arms sales.
Foreign Military Sales (FMS) and Defense Assistance: The UAE is the largest U.S. arms buyer in the Middle East, purchasing:
- F-16 Block 60 fighters (customized “Desert Falcons”)
- THAAD (Terminal High Altitude Area Defense) missile systems
- Patriot air defense batteries
- Apache helicopters, drones, and precision-guided munitions
Joint Military Exercises and Training:
- Iron Union: Large-scale U.S.-UAE joint ground warfare drills.
- Native Fury: U.S. Marine Corps training with Emirati forces in urban warfare and rapid deployment.
- Eagle Resolve: Multinational Gulf security exercises led by U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM).

Key U.S. Military Installations and Cooperation Areas

Al Dhafra Air Base (Abu Dhabi): Hosts U.S. Air Force F-35s, F-22s, and aerial refueling aircraft. Supports intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions over the Middle East.
Jebel Ali Port (Dubai): The U.S. Navy’s largest port of call outside the U.S., supporting Fifth Fleet naval operations.
U.S. Cyber and Counterterrorism Collaboration: The UAE collaborates with U.S. Cyber Command and intelligence agencies to counter Iranian cyber threats and terrorism financing.

Strategic Significance

Deterring Iran and Securing Gulf Energy Routes: The U.S.-UAE partnership helps protect shipping lanes in the Strait of Hormuz, countering Iranian maritime threats.
UAE’s Role in Regional Stability: The UAE supports U.S. efforts in counterterrorism, military logistics, and crisis response across the Middle East and North Africa.
Advanced Defense Industry Cooperation: The UAE seeks joint ventures with U.S. defense companies, aiming to expand its own military-industrial capabilities.
Balancing Ties with China and Russia: The U.S. has expressed concerns over the UAE’s growing defense cooperation with China, particularly in 5G infrastructure and weapons procurement. The stalled F-35 deal reflects U.S. hesitations over UAE’s strategic balancing between Washington and Beijing.

Links

U.S.-UAE Defense Cooperation Agreement (2019)
UAE’s Major Non-NATO Ally Status (2022)
Al Dhafra Air Base and U.S. Operations