Khalifa University Teams Up with Lockheed Martin to Propel Aerospace and Defense Innovation
Khalifa University of Science and Technology, alongside Lockheed Martin, a prominent name in global security and aerospace, has officially declared the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to extend their partnership in the enhancement of aerospace and defense technologies while nurturing human capital development within the UAE.
The MoU was executed by His Excellency Prof. Ebrahim Al Hajri, the President of Khalifa University, and Frank St. John, the Chief Operating Officer at Lockheed Martin, in Abu Dhabi. High-ranking officials from both organizations attended the event. As an initial initiative under this agreement, Lockheed Martin will broaden its Center for Innovation and Security Solutions (CISS) to Khalifa University’s Main Campus, establishing a foundation for enduring innovation, training, and technological leadership, which will further elevate the UAE’s stature as a global front-runner in aerospace and defense proficiencies.
His Excellency Prof. Ebrahim Al Hajri remarked: “This agreement is an integral part of Khalifa University’s persistent pledge to fostering national competencies and promoting innovation in aerospace and defense technologies. It also serves as a verification of the trust that international industries place in the university’s ability to deliver unique solutions to their obstacles. This collaboration with Lockheed Martin, a leader in the global defense sector, is the culmination of a strategic alliance with Khalifa University that commenced several years ago and results in the university’s selection as the host for the expanded research center.”
Frank St. John stated: “This collaboration with Khalifa University represents a pivotal advancement in the evolution of aerospace and defense technologies within the UAE. By working hand in hand, we are committed to empowering local talent and fostering innovation that will enhance our industry while contributing to the broader objectives of security and prosperity through economic development.”
Established in 2014 in Masdar City, the CISS will persist in emphasizing groundbreaking research, system development, and driving innovation in fields such as artificial intelligence, advanced simulation technologies, autonomous systems, and data analytics. It will function as a center for collaboration on practical projects that hasten talent development and critical technologies, thereby supporting the UAE’s strategic objectives in defense, aerospace, and security.
This strategic alliance with Khalifa University underlines Lockheed Martin’s dedication to advancing national security and is in line with the UAE’s vision to enhance human capital development through education, innovation, and technological excellence.
The collaboration is centered on narrowing the divide between academic inquiry and tangible industry applications, highlighting innovative solutions that tackle present and prospective challenges. By joining efforts on educational and research and development initiatives, Lockheed Martin and Khalifa University will enrich the UAE’s skill sets and state-of-the-art technologies with potentials for commercialization, thereby ensuring their shared contributions to the UAE’s defense and aerospace sectors.
