Abu Dhabi-based Advanced Military Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul Center (Ammroc) announced that Lockheed Martin, a leading developer of advanced military aircraft, has acquired an equity stake in Ammroc.

With this, Lockheed joins shareholders Sikorsky Aerospace Services, which owns an equivalent share, and Abu Dhabi Aircraft Technologies (ADAT), the principal shareholder.

The addition of Lockheed Martin brings significant aerospace sustainment and service capabilities allowing Ammroc to further expand its service offerings in the fixed-wing market segment, a statement said.

Linking this new expertise to Ammroc’s developing capability in the rotary-wing segment allows Ammroc to become a leading global provider of military aviation maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) services to the UAE armed forces and other military operators.

With the combined strength of the partners and an aggregate investment that exceeds $800 million, Ammroc draws on decades of experience and expertise in aerospace engineering, material support, logistics, maintenance, component repair, overhaul and training, to deliver a fully integrated MRO  support programme by a single provider.

Ammroc will provide innovative platform solutions for all fixed- and rotary-wing aircraft operated by the UAE armed forces, to ensure guaranteed aircraft readiness, deployability, improved safety and self reliance.

“This is an exciting development in Ammroc’s evolution and we are delighted to partner with another global leader in the aerospace industry,” said Homaid Al Shemmari, chairman of ADAT and Ammroc.

“Lockheed Martin’s involvement will expand Ammroc’s capabilities and complement our existing service offerings to our customers. As with our partnership with Sikorsky, Lockheed’s decision to acquire an equity interest in Ammroc is an important component of our plans to create a world class facility that provides a self- sustaining, and commercially viable platform for the UAE Armed Forces and regional military customers.”

“We have received tremendous support from the UAE Armed Forces and have worked closely with them not only with regard to the planning phase of this important new venture, but also in attracting partners that share our vision of developing a leading military sustainment center,” he added.

“Lockheed Martin is pleased to join the Ammroc joint venture with Sikorsky Aerospace Services and Abu Dhabi Aircraft Technologies. We look forward to working with the other shareholders to collectively support the military aircraft sustainment needs of the UAE and customers in the region,” said Ralph D Heath, executive vice president- aeronautics for Lockheed Martin.

David Adler, president of Sikorsky Aerospace Services, said: “We were honoured to form this strategic joint venture with ADAT, and are pleased that Lockheed Martin is joining us as an equity partner.”

“More than ever, we believe Ammroc will bring tremendous opportunities to both our companies and expanded service capability to the UAE’s armed forces, the Emirate of Abu Dhabi and eventually to the South Asia, Middle East and North Africa region,” Adler concluded. – TradeArabia News Service