How much of Lockheed Martin’s business comes from the Middle East? How important is it to you globally?
 

Our partnership with the Middle East has endured for over five decades, and it is one of our most important international markets. Over 30 percent of our overall business is international, and the Middle East accounts for an important and growing portion of that market. 

 

What are your predictions for defence in the Middle East in terms of growth, challenges and opportunities?
 

Today’s challenging and dynamic geopolitical environment and the added budgetary pressures nations are facing are shaping the regional defense sector in unique ways. I see tremendous opportunity to grow regional security partnerships built on trust and collaboration while helping catalyze the local economic growth and domestic capabilities of the UAE and greater region. 

 

What technologies do you predict will impact the aerospace and defence industry most in the next five years? 
 

The next generation of advanced materials, autonomous systems, human-machine collaboration and cyber-hardened platforms and mission systems all have the potential to create critical solutions that shape our industry for decades to come.

 

How important is the Dubai Airshow to Lockheed Martin in terms of its Middle East presence?
 

The Dubai Airshow is an important opportunity for us to engage with our regional partners and prospective customers from across the Middle East and learn more about their requirements, priorities and challenges. 

 

We’ve had a strong relationship with the UAE for four decades, initially supporting defense programs like the C-130 Hercules cargo aircraft, F-16 fighter, PAC-3 missile interceptor and THAAD anti-ballistic missile system—all technology solutions to help the UAE protect their citizens. At this year’s Dubai Airshow we look forward to showcasing some of those long-term partnerships and programs as well as our space and energy solutions to help support our partners now and into the future. 

 

How is Lockheed Martin advancing the UAE’s human capital agenda?
 

Beyond our technology and defense expertise, Lockheed Martin seeks to help build the local communities in which we work. One way we do this is through our Center for Innovation and Security Solutions (CISS) based in Masdar City. The CISS is a first of its kind outside of the United States, a state-of-the-art collaboration center, where we explore innovation, advance security, deliver game-changing technology, and train the region’s next generation towards a brighter, more sustainable future.

 

A key objective of the CISS is to invest in talent development in the UAE through STEM education and workforce development initiatives which will ultimately sustain our industry. Right now we have a group of interns at our center working on solutions using modelling and simulation, artificial intelligence and drone technologies. Our objective is to help them transition from academia to industry and to develop critical, analytical thinkers who are equipped with transferable problem-solving skills. By contributing to STEM talent and knowledge at an advanced scale, we are preparing the UAE’s workforce for fulfilling careers in increasingly important industries while strengthening the role that the next generation plays in the future of the UAE.