Lockheed Martin, a leading defense and aerospace company, is reinforcing its industrial partnerships in Morocco. The company will be participating in the Marrakech Air Show 2026, scheduled to take place from October 7 to 10. During the event, Lockheed Martin will showcase advanced defense technologies and engage with Moroccan enterprises to discuss potential participation in future defense programs.
On October 6, Lockheed Martin will host an industrial meeting with the Moroccan Ministry of Industry and Trade. This meeting aims to explore cooperation opportunities with local companies and inform potential suppliers about qualification requirements. The goal is to identify suppliers with the necessary expertise to contribute to current and future programs. This initiative is part of Lockheed Martin's efforts to expand its global supply chain and involve Moroccan companies.
Lockheed Martin's presence at the Marrakech Air Show will feature a demonstration of the F-35 cockpit. The company will also display models of the F-35A, F-16, and C-130J Super Hercules. A C-130J from the U.S. Air Force and F-16s from the Royal Moroccan Air Force will be on display. The C-130J's presence will allow discussions on the future of Morocco's tactical air transport fleet.
The C-130J Super Hercules offers a modernization path for Morocco's air transport capabilities. With decades of experience operating the Hercules, the Super Hercules provides a solution for military transport, humanitarian aid, and disaster response missions. Lockheed Martin will also showcase a life-size Sniper targeting pod and present the Javelin missile, Himars artillery system, and PAC-3 MSE interceptor missile.
Lockheed Martin's partnership with the Royal Moroccan Air Force began in 1974 with the delivery of the first C-130H Hercules. This partnership expanded with the delivery of F-16 Block 52 in 2011 and now includes cooperation in aircraft support and industrial development. A strategic partnership announced in 2022 supports Maintenance Aéro Maroc (MAM), which aims to develop local maintenance expertise and infrastructure.
The partnership between Lockheed Martin and Moroccan companies, including Sabena Engineering and Medz, contributes to the development of local maintenance capabilities. In October 2025, MAM and its partners launched the construction of an 8,000-square-meter hangar in Benslimane for heavy maintenance and modernization of C-130 Hercules and potentially other platforms like the F-16.
Key points
- Lockheed Martin is strengthening its industrial partnerships in Morocco through the Marrakech Air Show 2026.
- The company aims to involve Moroccan companies in its global supply chain and explore cooperation opportunities.
- Lockheed Martin's partnership with Morocco dates back to 1974, with ongoing cooperation in defense and aerospace.
