New Lockheed exec sees opportunities in Emirates

The former 5th Fleet commander recently tapped to head Lockheed Martin's business in the United Arab Emirates said Wednesday he sees "lots of opportunities" to work with the U.S. ally as it bulks up its defenses.

Charles "Willy" Moore gave few specifics about potential arms deals with the oil-rich nation, which lies directly across the Persian Gulf from Iran. But he did say he was confident negotiations will succeed to deploy a $7 billion missile defense system that could form part of a stronger missile shield for the region.

"Lockheed Martin's footprint here is expanding, it's becoming more complex," Moore told The Associated Press over the phone from Abu Dhabi. "As we look forward, we see lots of opportunities to deepen our partnership with the United Arab Emirates."