EPI and Lockheed Martin Sign Letter of Intent to Strengthen UAE’s Defence Capabilities
Abu Dhabi, The Gulf Observer: EPI, an EDGE entity and a key player in precision engineering for the UAE’s aerospace, oil and gas, and defence industries, has signed a Letter of Intent (LoI) with Lockheed Martin, a global defence technology leader. The agreement aims to explore emerging opportunities to support the UAE’s industrial growth, enhance national defence capabilities, and reinforce self-sufficiency in key defence domains.
The LoI was signed by Michael Deshaies, CEO of EPI, and John S. Clark, Vice President of Business Development at Lockheed Martin’s Missiles and Fire Control division. The signing was witnessed by Khaled Al Zaabi, President of the Platforms and Systems cluster at EDGE, during the International Defence Exhibition and Conference (IDEX) 2025, held at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC) from 17th to 21st February.
Under this agreement, EPI and Lockheed Martin will collaborate to identify areas for growth that align with EPI’s commitment to advancing the UAE’s industrial landscape, enhancing national defence capabilities, and achieving greater self-sufficiency in critical defence sectors.
Commenting on the collaboration, Michael Deshaies stated, “Part of our core strategy at EPI is to explore mutually beneficial partnerships that drive diversification in our operations and forge alliances with key players in aerospace and defence. This initiative is in line with our commitment to excellence and innovation, as well as EDGE’s mission to localise trailblazing technologies and industrial capabilities. We remain steadfast in strengthening the UAE’s position as a globally competitive industrial hub.”
John Clark added, “Lockheed Martin is proud to work alongside EPI to foster innovation, strengthen local industry, and advance the UAE’s long-term defence capabilities. This collaboration underscores our shared commitment to delivering cutting-edge technologies and building a sustainable industrial base in the region.”
This strategic partnership is expected to contribute significantly to the UAE’s technological advancements and industrial resilience, solidifying the nation’s role as a leading centre for defence and precision engineering.
