Dubai: General John Nicholson, Chief Executive for Lockheed Martin in the Middle East, announced that the company's long-standing cooperation with the United Arab Emirates is entering a new phase of development. This evolution reflects a sustained commitment to supporting sovereign capability-building, technology transfer, and the development of national talent in the defence and advanced technology sectors.
According to Emirates News Agency, Nicholson spoke at the Dubai Airshow 2025, highlighting the 50th anniversary of Lockheed Martin's partnership with the UAE. This collaboration began with the delivery of the first C-130 Hercules aircraft in 1975 and has expanded to include defence, innovation, and Emirati talent development.
Nicholson emphasized that the Center for Innovation and Security Solutions (CISS) in Abu Dhabi has become a cornerstone of the partnership. The center serves as a hub for advanced research, hands-on training, and the development of Emirati talent in artificial intelligence, space systems, and modern defence technologies. This year, it welcomed its largest training cohort, underscoring Lockheed Martin's commitment to empowering the next generation of Emirati engineers and scientists.
Letters of Intent signed during the airshow between Lockheed Martin, the Tawazun Council for Defence Enablement, EDGE Group, and Khalifa University aim to launch an integrated national ecosystem for microelectronics design and production using chiplet technology in Abu Dhabi. This initiative aligns with national objectives for innovation and the development of advanced sovereign capabilities.
The plan includes a specialised 16-month semiconductor training programme, in collaboration with Arizona State University, to prepare over 60 Emirati nationals. Additionally, a new Centre of Excellence for semiconductor research will be established at Khalifa University to support long-term innovation.
Nicholson mentioned efforts to strengthen industrial capabilities, expand cooperation across the defence ecosystem, and deepen technology transfer. The Dubai Airshow 2025 also witnessed the signing of Letters of Intent with EDGE and EPI to advance high-tech manufacturing, and with AMMROC to enhance maintenance, repair, and overhaul capabilities in the UAE. These agreements aim to support force readiness and create specialised opportunities for Emirati talent, aligning with the UAE's goal of building a world-class defence industrial base.
He highlighted the company's commitment to talent development through the expansion of CISS and collaboration with Khalifa University to advance research and innovation in artificial intelligence, space technologies, and defence systems. This effort supports the shared ambition to build sovereign capabilities and contribute to the UAE's long-term defence and economic vision.