UAE, US discuss strengthening defence partnership in Joint Military Dialogue

The UAE and the US discussed bolstering their defence partnership in a Joint Military Dialogue (JMD) last month. Senior delegations from both countries met at the US Department of Defence (Pentagon) building for the annual discussions.

The JMD is the foremost bilateral defence forum for advancing the US-UAE defence partnership, including reviewing shared security interests and discussing a broad range of strategic objectives for the relationship and challenges in the region.

UAE, US building strong bilateral defense partnership

Both sides agreed on the importance of the US-UAE strategic partnership as one based on shared interests and shared priorities, according to a readout provided by the US Department of Defence spokesperson Lt Col Dave Herndon.

The JMD noted delegations on both sides discussing several regional and different issues of mutual interest, including regional threats, counterterrorism, maritime security, air and missile defence, security cooperation and current regional security dynamics.

Specific discussions focus on integrated air and missile defence and cooperation on emerging capabilities. The UAE and the US highlighted their commitment to a strong bilateral defense partnership and recognised the Emirates as a key partner in tackling regional challenges.

The UAE Assistant Undersecretary for Support and Defence Industries and the US Defence Technology Security Administration (DTSA) director formalised a bilateral technology security partnership through the inking of the Cooperative Technology Security Program (CTSP) Execution Plan, as per the aforementioned readout.

Gaza fighting threatening major portion of Middle East

The massive Middle East region has plunged into a state of chaos as the brutal Israel-Hamas fighting rages on for months. It has exacerbated the already fragile humanitarian situation in the besieged Gaza Strip and put tens of thousands of lives at risk.

The ongoing Gaza crisis erupted on October 7 as Hamas militants launched a surprise attack on Israel, killing some 1,200 people and taking several others hostages. In response, the Israeli military has killed more than 34,000 people in Gaza and injured many more.