A New Era of Innovation: Lockheed Martin and King Abdulaziz University Unite for Groundbreaking Research Collaboration

Lockheed Martin, the U.S.-based global technology pioneer, has forged an international master research collaboration with Saudi Arabia’s King Abdulaziz University (KAU). Both parties will concentrate on research and development ventures to align with the ambitions of Saudi Vision 2030.

H.E. Prof. Dr. Abdulrahman Al Youbi, President of King Abdulaziz University, alongside Dr. Lawrence Schuette, Director of Global Science & Technology at Lockheed Martin Corporation, formalized the agreement during a virtual event with the participation of Joseph Rank, Chief Executive of Lockheed Martin Saudi Arabia, Prof. Yusuf Alturki, Vice President for Graduate Studies and Research at KAU, and several other dignitaries.

This agreement establishes a framework to facilitate future projects, with an immediate emphasis on technology evolution in domains such as industrial engineering, additive manufacturing, and aerial vehicle exploration.

“King Abdulaziz University is dedicated to propelling innovation in engineering through technology-driven initiatives that back Saudi Vision 2030. Partnering with esteemed technology firms like Lockheed Martin will empower us to exchange knowledge in the realm of applied research and will present us with unparalleled opportunities to foster the Kingdom’s industrial capabilities,” stated Dr. Al Youbi during the event.

“King Abdulaziz University is a prominent institution in the region, featuring internationally acclaimed faculty and robust research capabilities. Lockheed Martin takes great pride in backing the Kingdom’s R&D efforts with KAU, and we anticipate deepening our collaboration with Saudi scientists and engineers to further the Kingdom’s strategic objectives,” Dr. Schuette added.

With 25 distinct research centers, King Abdulaziz University, located in Jeddah, stands as Saudi Arabia’s premier educational institution dedicated to global outreach and collaboration in research and innovation.

As a leading security and aerospace enterprise and provider of advanced technologies, Lockheed Martin collaborates with top universities worldwide to sponsor and conduct joint research for governmental clients.

Lockheed Martin has been a steadfast partner to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia since 1965. Today, the company’s influence has broadened beyond defense systems to include a variety of products and services, technical assistance, and educational proficiency to bolster the Kingdom’s defense sector.

Lockheed Martin made its entrance into the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia with the delivery of the first C-130 Hercules aircraft in 1965. Since then, the organization has expanded its security offerings within the Kingdom to comprise integrated air and missile defense systems as well as maritime and civilian applications, alongside providing critical technical aid and educational expertise to local industry collaborators.

Headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, Lockheed Martin operates as a global security and aerospace corporation employing around 110,000 individuals globally and principally engaged in research, design, development, manufacturing, integration, and sustainability of advanced technology systems, products, and services.

King Abdulaziz University bears the name of the founder of Saudi Arabia – may Allah bless him. The institution was founded in (1387h / 1967g) in Jeddah as a national university aimed at promoting higher education in the western region of Saudi Arabia. This vision has come to fruition. The university commenced its inaugural year in (1388h- 1968g) and shortly afterward, inaugurated its first college, evolving into a government university in (1394h / 1974g) and subsequently increasing its student body and number of colleges. KAU then strategically established branches for several other universities.

Since its inception, the university has experienced significant advancements in both quality and quantity, establishing itself as one of the leading higher education institutions at both local and international levels. KAU has secured the 42nd position globally and the top position in the Arab world in the US News ranking of world universities for 2021, as well as the 143rd rank in the QS ranking.