Celebrating 50 years in the United Arab Emirates, we learn how Lockheed Martin Middle East has been instrumental in ensuring regional defence stability and prioritising local production. Gen. John ‘Mick’ Nicholson, Chief Executive, discusses.
ADVANCING LOCAL DEFENCE CAPABILITIES
In recent decades, the Middle East’s defence manufacturing sector has experienced a profound shift from dependence on imported products to building its own advanced capabilities.
This is particularly apparent as the industry continues to navigate an increasingly complex landscape shaped by global conflicts, changing security priorities, and rapid technological advancements.
As such, the region’s government bodies are adopting a dual approach, strengthening defence capabilities whilst ensuring industry investments contribute to local economic development.
This involves creating jobs, expanding educational opportunities, and building Indigenous industrial expertise.
“Lockheed Martin Middle East (Lockheed Martin) is deeply committed to addressing these intertwined priorities, delivering advanced technologies and partnering with regional entities to foster local talent, transfer knowledge, and enhance long-term resilience,” opens Gen. John ‘Mick’ Nicholson, Chief Executive.
Indeed, national initiatives and economic visions, such as the United Arab Emirates’ (UAE) push for a knowledge-based economy, have prioritised local production, technology transfer, and industrial self-reliance.
As a result, regional producers now play an increasingly prominent role in the defence industry’s global supply chain, R&D, and innovation.
FIVE DECADES OF DEFENCE
For over 50 years, Lockheed Martin has been a trusted partner in the Middle East, building enduring relationships with regional governments and institutions to address evolving defence and security challenges.
The company has amassed a significant presence across the Middle East with offices in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Egypt, as well as permanent representatives in several other key markets.
Lockheed Martin offers a broad portfolio of defence, aerospace, and security solutions, ranging from F-16 jets, C-130 Hercules (C-130H) airlifters, and Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk (Black Hawk) helicopters to advanced missile defence systems, satellites, and state-of-the-art radar and command and control technologies.
Elsewhere, the company’s efforts extend beyond technology delivery as it works closely with national governments, industrial partners, and academic institutions to foster innovation, support STEM education, and build local talent.
“This year marks 50 years of collaboration in the UAE, underscoring our commitment to strengthening regional stability, nurturing local talent, and delivering cutting-edge solutions,” asserts Nicholson.
Lockheed Martin’s presence in the region began in March 1975 following the delivery of the first C-130H airlifters to Saudi Arabia in 1965, establishing the foundations of a portfolio that now spans defence, advanced technologies, space, and industrial partnerships.
Bahrain was the first nation in the Gulf Corporation Council (GCC) to acquire the F-16s, followed by Iraq, the UAE, and Oman, whilst Kuwait benefits from a range of essential capabilities including C-130Hs and integrated missile defence systems.
“Each partnership highlights our unwavering commitment to fostering regional security and advancing local capabilities,” he adds.
“This year marks 50 years of collaboration in the UAE, underscoring our commitment to strengthening regional stability, nurturing local talent, and delivering cutting-edge solutions”
Gen. John ‘Mick’ Nicholson, Chief Executive, Lockheed Martin Middle East
MEANINGFUL COOPERATION
In order to meet the developing needs of the Middle East’s defence sector, Lockheed Martin has partnered with numerous noteworthy organisations and institutions in order to meet its targets in regional defence capabilities.
In the UAE, for instance, the company partners with the Advanced Military Maintenance Repair and Overhaul Centre (AMMROC) to handle maintenance work on Black Hawks, F-16s, and C-130Hs.
In Saudi Arabia, meanwhile, Lockheed Martin’s localisation efforts include awarding subcontracts for key Terminal High Altitude Area Defence (THAAD) components to local suppliers, strengthening the nation’s sovereign defence capabilities.
The company has also partnered with Barzan Holdings in Qatar for industrial development projects and is exploring similar opportunities in Oman.
Elsewhere, in Jordan, Lockheed Martin recently engaged with the Jordan Design and Development Bureau (JODDB) to assess its capabilities and identify future areas of cooperation.
“Collectively, these efforts illustrate how the region’s defence manufacturing landscape is evolving into a more autonomous, innovation-driven ecosystem – one that keeps pace with modern threats and contributes meaningfully to global defence,” Nicholson enthuses.
Regionally, Lockheed Martin is also strengthening its maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) capabilities for a range of aircraft, including the F-16s and C-130Hs, through partnerships with local companies.
These efforts boost self-sufficiency and operational readiness, ensuring the Middle East can independently maintain and sustain critical defence systems.
“Together, these projects highlight our dedication to developing sovereign capabilities, fostering innovation, and empowering the next generation of talent across the Middle East.”
CAPACITY BUILDING
Lockheed Martin’s contribution to regional defence capabilities also focuses heavily on building human capital as well as fostering long-term growth and local expertise.
The company’s commitment to regional capacity building and the development of sustainable aerospace and defence ecosystems is demonstrated by initiatives such as CISS in Abu Dhabi and its collaboration with Khalifa University in the UAE.
“By joining forces with one of the region’s premier academic institutions, Lockheed Martin is helping to cultivate a highly skilled, innovative workforce capable of tackling the industry’s future challenges,” Nicholson prides.
The CISS recently graduated its largest ever internship cohort of 56 students.
By focusing on fields such as AI, robotics, and space technologies, this programme helps students transition from academia to the workplace, equipping them with the skills needed to lead future advancements.
Additionally, the company remains committed to education and workforce development programmes that align with regional priorities, ensuring that investments support both near and long-term growth in the defence and aerospace sectors.
“These initiatives go beyond theoretical knowledge, equipping students and professionals with hands-on skills in areas such as aerospace engineering, maintenance, and operational planning,” he details.
This approach not only addresses the immediate need for highly skilled personnel but also establishes a sustainable pipeline of talent to drive innovation and ensure operational readiness for years to come.
COMMITTED TO EVOLUTION
In the next five years, the Middle East’s defence manufacturing sector is poised to embrace a new wave of technological innovations, including AI, autonomous systems, and predictive analytics that will redefine how the region approaches future challenges.
Lockheed Martin is committed to supporting this evolution as it plays a vital role in bridging the Middle East’s defence requirements with the company’s global needs, acting as a conduit for innovation, collaboration, and knowledge transfer.
“Through strategic partnerships, targeted training programmes, and cutting-edge technology transfers, we aim to help our partners join global supply chains related to advanced manufacturing capabilities and achieve greater self-reliance in the maintenance and operation of the systems we provide,” prides Nicholson.
As such, Lockheed Martin not only strengthens regional security but also contributes its global reputation as a leader in advanced defence manufacturing and aerospace innovation.
More locally, the company’s priorities for the coming year are strategically designed to advance its regional presence and contribute to the UAE’s long-term vision for a secure, knowledge-based economy.
These include building even stronger relationships with regional governments to address shared security goals, advancing STEM education and workforce development programmes to cultivate the next generation of industry leaders, and increasing local manufacturing and maintenance capabilities to support the self-reliance of UAE defence.
“We will also focus on advancing cutting-edge technologies, such as AI and autonomy, to maintain a decisive edge in innovation and ensure our solutions align with the region’s evolving strategic priorities,” closes Nicholson.
