Mubadala Development Company (Mubadala), a strategic investment and development vehicle wholly-owned by the Government of Abu Dhabi has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with US industrial major Lockheed Martin.

The deal will see the two organisations collaborate on various aviation activities and projects in Abu Dhabi and across the Mena region.

The agreement was signed at the Paris Air Show by Mubadala chief operating officer Waleed Al Mokarrab Al Muhairi, and Lockheed Martin executive vice-president for aeronautics Ralph D Heath.

It is the second agreement signed by Mubadala with blue chip strategic partners at the event this week as the company moves to firmly establish Abu Dhabi in the international aerospace arena.

'This MoU signifies our mutual interest to explore ways in which we may both collaborate and address sustainability, maintenance, repair and overhaul, engineering and technical support of military aircraft,' said Al Muhairi.

'We see an opportunity in creating sustainable programmes across several platforms, including the F16 Block 60 Desert Falcon, C-130 Hercules, Mirage 2000, Hawk and PC7.'

'Jointly we would like to develop and align our activities to attract other strategic partners to provide best value full-service, end-to-end, military aircraft support,' he added.

Together, Mubadala and Lockheed Martin have identified various military aircraft airframes and engines as part of the scope of a joint MRO business agreement.

'These structures include, but are not limited to, tactical fighters, cargo and transport aircraft,' explained Heath.

'The agreement is open to working in partnership with other UAE entities and global aerospace organizations. It is a highly strategic move to position ourselves with our affiliates in the region,' he explained. TradeArabia News Service