US intelligence: China upgraded missiles with UAE AI technology
US intelligence reportedly obtained in 2022 alleged that the UAE's AI group G42 transferred technology to China via Huawei that was used to upgrade long-range air-to-air missiles, potentially enhancing Chinese military advantage in the Taiwan Strait. G42 and Huawei denied the claims.
What happened
US intelligence obtained by the Biden administration in 2022 showed that the United Arab Emirates AI group G42 transferred technology to China, reportedly via Huawei, which was used to upgrade long-range air-to-air missiles including the PL-15 and PL-17.
Informants said the technology involved software to improve missile flight. G42's businesses span geospatial, aviation and satellite technology. No evidence shows the technology transfer violated any law, and it could not be confirmed that G42 knew the technology would be used by the People's Liberation Army.
Reported impact
According to US officials cited by the Financial Times, the technology could enhance Chinese military aircraft's advantage in the Taiwan Strait in a potential conflict with US aircraft by giving them more time to target US fighter jets.
Index analysis
White House officials considered adding G42 to a US entities list in early 2023, which would have restricted US exports to the company. US officials noted G42 and the UAE appeared to be moving closer to China.
The Biden administration sent senior officials to the UAE to emphasize that the country must choose between the US and China in developing its AI industry. By the end of 2023, G42 announced it had severed relationships with Chinese groups and was focusing on AI cooperation with the US instead.
Governance controls
G42 agreed to remove Huawei technology from its data centers. G42 is backed by shareholders including Microsoft and the UAE sovereign wealth fund Mubadala.
G42 denied the allegations as "inaccurate and defamatory" and questioned the sources' motives. Huawei also denied the claims as "entirely false." CIA director William Burns declined to comment.
Classification
Sources and evidence
This record was researched and written by the Index, based on the following original reporting.