Lockheed Martin, a US-based global technology leader, has entered into an international master research agreement with Saudi Arabia’s King Abdul Aziz University (KAU). Both entities will focus on research and development initiatives to support the goals of Saudi Vision 2030.
Professor Dr. Abdulrahman Al-Youbi, president of KAU, and Dr. Lawrence Schuette, director of global science and technology, Lockheed Martin Corporation, signed the agreement during a virtual ceremony, with the participation of Joseph Rank, chief executive of Lockheed Martin Saudi Arabia; Professor Yusuf Alturki, vice president for graduate studies and scientific research at KAU; and other officials. The agreement provides a framework to support future projects, with an immediate focus on technology development in areas such as industrial engineering, additive manufacturing, and air vehicle research.
“King Abdul Aziz University is committed to advancing innovation in engineering through technology-focused projects that support Saudi Vision 2030,” said Dr. Al-Youbi. “Cooperating with leading technology companies such as Lockheed Martin will enable us to share expertise in the field of applied research and will provide us with unique opportunities to support the development of Saudi industrial capabilities.”
“King Abdul Aziz University is a leading university in the region, with internationally recognized faculty and advanced research capabilities,” added Dr. Schuette. “Lockheed Martin is extremely proud to support the Kingdom’s research and development efforts with KAU, and we look forward to expanding our engagement with Saudi scientists and engineers to advance the strategic priorities of the country.”
With 25 different research centers, KAU, based in Jeddah, is Saudi Arabia’s premier educational institution focusing on international outreach and collaboration in research and innovation.
As a leading security and aerospace company and supplier of advanced technologies, Lockheed Martin works with leading universities worldwide to sponsor and perform collaborative research for government customers.
Lockheed Martin has been a committed partner to Saudi Arabia since 1965. Today, the company’s presence has moved beyond defense systems to provide various products and services, technical support, and educational expertise to strengthen the Kingdom’s defense industry.
