EDGE signs LoI with Lockheed Martin to explore areas of collaboration in aerospace and defence
Abu Dhabi, UAE – EPI, an EDGE entity and the cornerstone of precision engineering in the UAE's aerospace, oil and gas, and defence industries, today signed a Letter of Intent (LoI) with Lockheed Martin, a global defence technology company driving innovation and advancing scientific discovery, to explore emerging opportunities to support the UAE's industrial growth, reinforce its national defence capabilities and strengthen 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, and witnessed by Khaled Al Zaabi, President of Platforms and Systems cluster at EDGE, during the International Defence Exhibition and Conference (IDEX) 2025 that runs at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC) from 17 to 21 February.
Under the LoI, EPI and Lockheed Martin will explore areas of opportunities to strengthen EPI's commitment to support the UAE's industrial growth, national defence capabilities, and self-sufficiency in significant defence domains.
Speaking on the synergy, Michael Deshaies said: 'Part of our core strategy at EPI is to explore mutually beneficial partnerships to drive the diversification of our operations and join forces with key players in aerospace and defence, in line with our commitment to excellence and innovation. Also aligned with EDGE's mission to localise trailblazing technologies and industrial capabilities, we are well on track to strengthening the UAE's position as a leading competitive industrial centre in various sectors.'
'Lockheed Martin is proud to work alongside EPI to foster innovation, strengthen local industry, and advance the UAE's long-term defence capabilities,' said John Clark. 'This collaboration underscores our shared commitment to delivering cutting-edge technologies and building a sustainable industrial base in the region.'
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About EDGE
Launched in November 2019, the UAE's EDGE is one of the world's leading advanced technology groups, established to develop agile, bold and disruptive solutions for defence and beyond, and to be a catalyst for change and transformation. It is dedicated to bringing breakthrough innovations, products, and services to market with greater speed and efficiency, to position the UAE as a leading global hub for future industries, and to creating clear paths within the sector for the next generation of highly skilled talent to thrive.
With a focus on the adoption of 4IR technologies, EDGE is driving the development of sovereign capabilities for global export and for the preservation of national security, working with front-line operators, international partners, and adopting advanced technologies such as autonomous capabilities, cyber-physical systems, advanced propulsion systems, robotics and smart materials. EDGE converges R&D, emerging technologies, digital transformation, and commercial market innovations with military capabilities to develop disruptive solutions tailored to the specific requirements of its customers. Headquartered in Abu Dhabi, capital of the UAE, EDGE consolidates more than 35 entities into six core clusters: Platforms & Systems, Missiles & Weapons, Space & Cyber Technologies, Trading & Mission Support, Technology & Innovation, and Homeland Security.
For more information, visit edgegroup.ae.
For media enquiries, please contact:
EDGE Group Press Office
media@edgegroup.ae
About EPI
EPI manufactures high quality complex engineering components for the defence, aerospace, and oil and gas (O&G) sectors. The company is the engineering backbone of the UAE's aerospace and defence industry, and a vital supporter of its O&G sector. Dedicated to building a precision manufacturing infrastructure in the UAE, and to serving market-leading regional and global clients – including some of the world's most foremost aviation and defence OEMs, such as Airbus and Boeing – EPI is committed to harnessing advanced technologies and machinery, including Computer Numerical Control (CNC) to deliver cutting-edge engineering solutions.
For more information, visit epiuae.ae.
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