AMMROC and Lockheed Martin Expand UAE MRO Capabilities at Dubai Airshow

AMMROC and Lockheed Martin Deepen Ties to Bolster Regional Aviation MRO Capabilities

In a significant move for the Middle East’s aerospace and defense sector, the Advanced Military Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul Center (AMMROC) and Lockheed Martin have signed a Letter of Intent at the Dubai Airshow 2025. This agreement isn’t just a renewal of vows between two long-standing partners; it’s a strategic reinforcement aimed at elevating the UAE’s role as a central hub for aviation sustainment. The collaboration is set to focus on expanding in-country Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) capabilities, a critical component for ensuring the operational readiness of military aircraft fleets in the UAE and the broader Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.

The partnership between AMMROC, a leading MRO provider in the region, and Lockheed Martin, a global aerospace and defense giant, is built on a solid foundation of previous collaborations. This new chapter seeks to leverage their combined expertise to foster technical growth and unlock new opportunities within the defense industry. By concentrating on developing local talent and infrastructure, the initiative aligns with the UAE’s strategic vision for economic diversification and increased self-reliance in its defense sector. The implications of this strengthened alliance extend beyond simple maintenance, pointing towards a future of enhanced technological sovereignty and innovation for the nation.

A Partnership Forged in Strategy and History

The relationship between AMMROC and Lockheed Martin is not a recent development. It is a strategic alliance that has evolved over the years, marked by significant milestones. Lockheed Martin became an equity shareholder in AMMROC in 2011, joining forces with Abu Dhabi Aircraft Technologies (ADAT) and Sikorsky Aerospace Services. This long-term investment underscores a shared commitment to the region’s security and industrial development. The recent Letter of Intent serves to reaffirm this bond, outlining a clear path for future cooperation that builds upon past successes.

One of the most notable achievements of this partnership is AMMROC’s status as the region’s only authorized Lockheed Martin C-130 Service Center. Furthermore, earlier in 2025, AMMROC was designated by Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin company, as the first Depot Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul Center for Black Hawk UH-60 Helicopters blades outside of the United States. These authorizations are a testament to the high level of technical proficiency and trust that AMMROC has cultivated, positioning its Al Ain facility as a world-class MRO hub. The new agreement aims to replicate this success across other critical aircraft platforms, enhancing the comprehensive support available to regional operators.

The collaboration is designed to be mutually beneficial. For AMMROC, it provides access to Lockheed Martin’s global expertise, advanced technologies, and original equipment manufacturer (OEM) support. For Lockheed Martin, it strengthens its presence in a key strategic market and fulfills its commitment to supporting the UAE’s industrial development goals. This synergy is crucial for tackling the complex challenges of modern military aviation, where sophisticated platforms require equally sophisticated sustainment solutions to maintain peak performance and readiness.

“This agreement reinforces the longstanding trust between AMMROC and Lockheed Martin. Our relationship has been built on years of close collaboration and technical excellence. It is also an extension of our 50-year partnership with the United Arab Emirates and our shared commitment to strengthening in-country capabilities that enhance readiness and create opportunities for specialized talent.”
– Gen. John “Mick” Nicholson (U.S. Army, Ret.), Chief Executive for Lockheed Martin Middle East.

Bolstering In-Country Capabilities and Regional Leadership

A core objective of the Letter of Intent is the deliberate expansion of in-country MRO capabilities. This focus is a direct reflection of the UAE’s broader national Strategy to build a robust, self-sufficient defense industry. By localizing complex maintenance and overhaul tasks that were previously performed abroad, the partnership aims to reduce turnaround times, lower costs, and enhance the operational availability of critical military assets. This move not only strengthens the UAE’s defense posture but also contributes significantly to its economic diversification by creating high-skilled jobs and fostering a knowledge-based economy.

The Al Ain-based AMMROC facility, one of the largest and most advanced of its kind in the region, is at the heart of this strategy. The center’s expansive hangar capacity and state-of-the-art equipment enable it to service a wide range of Military-Aircraft, including fixed-wing and rotary-wing platforms. The collaboration with Lockheed Martin will further enhance these capabilities, allowing AMMROC to offer an even more comprehensive suite of services to its customers. This includes advanced component repair, engine overhaul, and the integration of cutting-edge technologies into maintenance workflows.

The impact of this enhanced capability extends beyond the UAE’s borders. By establishing a world-class MRO hub in the region, AMMROC and Lockheed Martin are creating a center of excellence that can serve the needs of other nations in the MENA region. This positions the UAE as a strategic partner for regional security and stability, offering reliable and efficient sustainment solutions to allied air forces. The ability to provide timely and effective MRO support is a critical force multiplier, ensuring that aircraft fleets remain mission-ready to meet evolving security challenges.

“Our partnership with Lockheed Martin reflects a shared vision for excellence and innovation in defense aviation. This new step builds on a successful history of collaboration across critical aircraft platforms and reinforces our collective goal to enhance MRO capabilities that support operational readiness for customers in the UAE and the region.”
– Jasem Al Marzooqi, CEO of AMMROC.

Conclusion: A Strategic Vision for the Future

The Letter of Intent signed between AMMROC and Lockheed Martin at the Dubai Airshow 2025 is more than a standard corporate agreement; it is a strategic declaration of intent. It signals a deepened commitment to advancing the UAE’s aerospace and defense capabilities, with a clear focus on long-term, sustainable growth. By prioritizing the development of in-country talent and infrastructure, the partnership is laying the groundwork for a future where the UAE is not just a consumer of advanced defense technology, but a key contributor to its sustainment and innovation.

Looking ahead, this collaboration is poised to yield significant benefits for the UAE and the wider MENA region. The enhancement of MRO capabilities will lead to greater operational readiness, increased economic diversification, and the creation of specialized employment opportunities. As the partnership evolves, it will likely explore new frontiers in aviation technology, including the integration of digital maintenance solutions and advanced analytics. This forward-looking approach ensures that the UAE’s defense sector remains at the cutting edge, ready to meet the challenges of tomorrow while solidifying its position as a global leader in aerospace excellence.

FAQ

Question: What is the main purpose of the Letter of Intent between AMMROC and Lockheed Martin?
Answer: The primary purpose is to reaffirm and expand their long-standing partnership, focusing on strengthening in-country Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) capabilities to support military aviation customers in the UAE and the wider MENA region.

Question: Where and when was the agreement signed?
Answer: The Letter of Intent was signed during the Dubai Air-Shows 2025.

Question: What are some existing collaborations between AMMROC and Lockheed Martin?
Answer: AMMROC is the region’s only authorized Lockheed Martin C-130 Service Center and was recently authorized by Sikorsky (a Lockheed Martin company) as a Depot MRO Center for Black Hawk UH-60 helicopter blades, the first of its kind outside the U.S.

Question: How does this agreement benefit the UAE?
Answer: It supports the UAE’s strategic goals of enhancing its domestic defense industry, achieving greater self-reliance, diversifying its economy, and creating high-skilled jobs for its citizens by localizing advanced MRO services.

Sources: WAM