UAE Defense Minister Welcomes Lockheed Martin’s Middle East CEO for Strategic Dialogue
Mohammed bin Ahmed Al Bowardi, UAE’s Minister of State for Defense Affairs, welcomed Robert (Bob) S. Harward, Lockheed Martin’s Chief Executive for the Middle East, at his office on Wednesday, alongside the Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Defense and other high-ranking officials.
During the session, dialogue centered on the latest advancements in the aerospace and defense sectors and emphasized the ongoing partnership between the two entities, according to Emirates news agency WAM.
Al Bowardi received updates on Emiratization initiatives and human capital enhancement schemes launched by Lockheed Martin, aimed at boosting the number of proficient Emirati engineers in the aerospace, defense, and software development arenas within the UAE.
Harward reiterated Lockheed Martin’s dedication to training and guiding young Emirati engineers, viewing them as crucial to the future of the defense landscape, with the ultimate goal of having Emiratis design, test, operate, and maintain all state-of-the-art systems supported by Lockheed Martin from its Abu Dhabi headquarters.
Based in Bethesda, Maryland, USA, Lockheed Martin Corporation is a leading global security and aerospace organization employing approximately 114,000 individuals worldwide. It specializes in the research, design, development, manufacturing, integration, and support of innovative technology systems, products, and services.
In a separate development during a phone conversation on Wednesday, the UAE Minister of State for Defense Affairs highlighted the significance of the United Kingdom’s involvement in resolving regional disputes and international initiatives to uphold peace, emphasizing the longstanding ties between the UK and the UAE.
Al Bowardi and James Heappey, the Member of Parliament for Wells and Minister for the Armed Forces at the UK Ministry of Defense, deliberated on enhancing UAE-UK bilateral relations, particularly in the military domain, as part of the collaboration between their nations. They also assessed the current regional situation and efforts to foster peace in the Middle East.
Al Bowardi stressed the necessity of bolstering collaborations in organizing military drills to further anti-terrorism and counter-extremism initiatives, along with exchanging military experiences to elevate the efficiency and capabilities of their armed forces.
The British Minister commended the UAE for its significant advancements across various sectors and expressed his enthusiasm for reinforcing the relationship between their nations, particularly in defense and military realms, underlining the importance of sustaining security within GCC nations.
