Biden Administration’s Rare Move: UAE Becomes ‘Major Defence Partner’
In a significant diplomatic move, the Biden administration has designated the United Arab Emirates as a ‘major defense partner’ in a rare decision. This development marks a crucial turning point in US-UAE relations, elevating the strategic importance of the Gulf nation in America’s Middle East policy. The new status has the potential to reshape regional dynamics and strengthen cooperation between the two countries across various sectors.
The designation brings with it enhanced military cooperation, including increased access to advanced defense systems and joint security initiatives. Beyond defense, this partnership is set to have an impact on economic ties, technological collaboration, and diplomatic efforts. The move also highlights the UAE’s growing role in regional stability, counterterrorism efforts, and maritime security. As tensions in the Middle East continue to evolve, this upgraded partnership between the US and UAE could play a key part in shaping the future of US-Arab relations and the broader US Middle East strategy.
Biden’s Strategic Move: Elevating UAE’s Defense Status
President Biden’s decision to designate the United Arab Emirates as a ‘major defense partner’ marks a significant shift in US-UAE relations. This rare move puts the UAE in an exclusive group, joining only India in holding this status. The designation reflects the Biden administration’s commitment to strengthening ties with key allies in the Middle East and enhancing regional security.
Reasons behind the decision
The UAE has proven to be a crucial partner for the United States in various military operations over the past three decades. The two countries have collaborated in six coalition actions, including efforts in Afghanistan, Libya, and the fight against ISIS. This track record of cooperation has demonstrated the UAE’s reliability and capability as a strategic ally.
Furthermore, the UAE provides essential support for US military operations in the region. It hosts 5,000 US military personnel at Al Dhafra Air Base and offers critical logistics support for US Navy fleet operations. The country’s advanced F-16 aircraft, operated in close cooperation with the US, have been instrumental in confronting aggression and promoting regional stability.
Timing and geopolitical context
The timing of this decision is particularly significant given the current geopolitical landscape. With tensions rising in the Middle East, the US aims to reinforce its alliances and maintain a strong presence in the region. The designation comes as part of a broader strategy to counter Iran’s influence and address ongoing conflicts in areas such as Yemen and Sudan.
The move also coincides with the launch of the US-UAE Strategic Dialog, a framework for cooperation in areas ranging from trade to security. This enhanced partnership is expected to play a crucial role in shaping the future of US-Arab relations and the broader US Middle East strategy.
Comparison with other US allies
While the UAE now joins India as a ‘major defense partner’, this status sets it apart from other US allies in the region. The designation allows for unprecedented cooperation through joint training, exercises, and military-to-military collaboration between the US, UAE, and India.
This elevated status is likely to result in increased access to advanced US defense systems and technologies for the UAE. It also reflects the US’s recognition of the UAE’s growing role in regional stability, counterterrorism efforts, and maritime security.
Enhanced Military Cooperation: What It Means
The designation of the United Arab Emirates as a ‘major defense partner’ by the Biden administration has a significant impact on military cooperation between the two nations. This rare move opens up new avenues for collaboration and strengthens the existing partnership in various aspects of defense and security.
Joint training and exercises
The enhanced status allows for unprecedented cooperation through joint training and exercises between the military forces of the United States, the UAE, and India. This collaboration aims to improve combat readiness and communication among allies. For instance, UAE Air Force F-16 pilots regularly participate in the annual ‘Red Flag’ aerial combat exercise hosted by the US Air Force at Nellis Air Force Base in Nevada. These exercises provide valuable opportunities for UAE pilots to train alongside their US counterparts and enhance their skills in complex combat scenarios.
Access to advanced US weaponry
As a major defense partner, the UAE gains increased access to sophisticated US weapons systems and technologies. This includes the potential acquisition of advanced defense systems such as the F-35 Lightning II aircraft, MQ-9B Remotely Piloted Aircraft, and Terminal High Altitude Area Defense missiles. The US has already approved significant sales to the UAE, including CH-47F Chinook cargo helicopters and various munitions. This enhanced access to cutting-edge military equipment strengthens the UAE’s defense capabilities and improves interoperability with US forces.
Intelligence sharing
The deepened partnership also facilitates increased intelligence sharing between the two nations. This collaboration is crucial for addressing regional threats, advancing counterterrorism initiatives, and reinforcing maritime security. The UAE and US work together to combat threats against their common interests, including terrorist financing and illicit weapons proliferation. The United States Interagency Man-Portable Air Defense Systems (MANPADS) Task Force provides training to Emirati security officials on recognizing and interdicting threats to aviation security, further enhancing the intelligence-sharing capabilities between the two countries.
Beyond Defense: Economic and Technological Partnerships
The UAE-US partnership extends far beyond defense cooperation, encompassing a robust economic relationship and collaboration in cutting-edge technologies. This multifaceted alliance has the potential to shape the future of both nations and the broader Middle East region.
Trade relations
The United States and the UAE enjoy a thriving trade and investment relationship that has grown significantly in recent years. In 2023, bilateral trade between the two countries totaled USD 31.40 billion, with the US exporting more than USD 24.80 billion in goods and services to the UAE. This resulted in an USD 18.30 billion trade surplus for the US, its fourth largest globally. The UAE has become the United States’ single largest export market in the Middle East for fifteen consecutive years, reflecting the country’s increasingly diversified economy and its role as a modernizing influence in the Arab world.
Investments in AI and clean energy
The UAE and the US are making significant strides in artificial intelligence (AI) and clean energy collaboration. In 2024, Microsoft announced a USD 1.50 billion strategic investment in G42, the UAE’s AI technology holding company. This partnership aims to accelerate joint AI development and bring advanced AI and digital infrastructure to countries in the Middle East, Central Asia, and Africa. The UAE has also committed to increasing the contribution of clean energy in its national energy mix to 50% by 2050. Under the US-UAE Partnership to Accelerate Clean Energy (PACE) initiative, both countries are working together to ensure a swift transition towards clean energy technologies.
Space exploration collaboration
The UAE-US partnership in space exploration has yielded remarkable results. The UAE Space Agency, in collaboration with NASA and other US-based space companies, has made significant strides in advancing space exploration and creating new economic opportunities. Notable achievements include the launch of the first Arab probe to Mars, the Hope Probe, in 2021, and the UAE’s participation in NASA’s Artemis Program. The Mohammed bin Rashid Space Center has agreed to provide an airlock for Gateway, humanity’s first space station to orbit the Moon, further cementing the UAE’s role in future deep space missions.
The designation of the UAE as a ‘major defense partner’ by the Biden administration marks a pivotal moment in US-UAE relations. This move has a significant impact on regional dynamics, strengthening cooperation across defense, economic, and technological sectors. The enhanced partnership paves the way for increased military collaboration, including joint exercises and access to advanced US weaponry, while also boosting intelligence sharing to address common threats.
Beyond defense, this alliance opens up new avenues to collaborate in trade, artificial intelligence, clean energy, and space exploration. The deepened relationship between the US and UAE is set to play a crucial role in shaping the future of US-Arab relations and the broader US Middle East strategy. As the geopolitical landscape continues to evolve, this partnership stands as a testament to the growing importance of strategic alliances in maintaining regional stability and fostering innovation.
