The Marrakech Air Show 2026 is set to take place from October 7-10, with Lockheed Martin participating as a Platinum Sponsor. The global defense technology company will showcase its latest defense technologies to strengthen defense cooperation with Morocco. This event will also serve as a platform for Lockheed Martin to explore opportunities with Moroccan companies for future defense programs. Lockheed Martin's participation in the air show highlights its long-standing partnership with Morocco's defense sector.
Lockheed Martin will organize an Industry Day on October 6, which will convene representatives from the defense sector, including Morocco's Ministry of Industry and Trade. The event aims to identify suppliers with the necessary expertise and capabilities to contribute to current and future programs. This initiative seeks to ensure that the company's sustainability partnerships are contributing to developing local skills and capabilities required to maintain aircraft. The Industry Day is a practical step toward enhancing cooperation between Lockheed Martin and Moroccan companies.
Lockheed Martin's booth at the air show will feature a demonstration model of an F-35 aircraft cockpit, allowing guests to explore fifth-generation air capabilities through scheduled demonstrations. The booth will also display scale models of the F-35A, F-16, and C-130J Super Hercules aircraft. A US Air Force C-130J aircraft and an F-16 aircraft belonging to Morocco's air force will be on display at the show grounds. These exhibitions will provide a platform to discuss the future of Morocco's tactical airlift fleet and modernize airlift capabilities.
The C-130J Super Hercules offers an advanced solution to support military transport, humanitarian relief, and disaster response requirements. Lockheed Martin cited its long-standing partnership with Morocco's air force, which dates back to 1974 with the delivery of the first C-130H Hercules aircraft. The partnership has been strengthened by the delivery of the first F-16 Block 52 aircraft in 2011, along with long-term aircraft support and operations. This partnership demonstrates Lockheed Martin's commitment to supporting Morocco's defense needs.
In 2022, Lockheed Martin signed an agreement to support Maintenance Aero Maroc, a partnership that brings together Lockheed Martin, Sabena Engineering, and MEDZ, a subsidiary of Morocco's Caisse de Dépôt et de Gestion (CDG). The project aims to develop national expertise and strengthen aircraft maintenance infrastructure in Morocco. A new aircraft hangar was launched in Benslimane, covering over 8,000 square meters, which will initially carry out heavy maintenance and upgrades of C-130 Hercules aircraft and expand to other platforms.
Morocco continues to strengthen its position as a defense manufacturing hub, attracting global players like India's Tata Advanced Systems and Turkish drone makers. The country seeks to enhance its aerospace sector, with plans to produce its first aircraft engine by 2027 or 2028. The goal is to prepare Moroccan youth through skills, training, and engineering education. The aerospace sector generated export revenues of over $2.54 billion in 2024, with over 150 companies operating in Morocco.
Morocco offers attractive incentives for companies, including 0% corporate tax for the first five years and around 8% for the following 20 years. The country also offers exemption from VAT, duty-free equipment imports, and subsidized land and utilities. Lockheed Martin's participation in the Marrakech Air Show 2026 demonstrates its commitment to deepening its partnership with Morocco and exploring new opportunities in the country's defense sector.
Key points
- Lockheed Martin to showcase defense technologies at Marrakech Air Show 2026 as Platinum Sponsor
- Lockheed Martin and Morocco's Ministry of Industry and Trade to convene Industry Day to discuss future defense programs
- Lockheed Martin aims to enhance cooperation with Moroccan companies and develop local expertise in aircraft maintenance
