The eighth Marrakech Airshow opened on October 7, 2026, at the Royal Moroccan Air Force Base in Marrakech, gathering nearly 200 exhibitors from 27 countries. The event's themes this year include industrial sovereignty, resilient supply chains, advanced defense systems, and artificial intelligence. Morocco's Delegate Minister for National Defense, Abdellatif Loudiyi, highlighted the country's qualitative shift in the aviation sector from simple assembly to advanced manufacturing and engineering.
During the airshow, several agreements and partnerships were signed to boost Morocco's aviation and aerospace industry as well as defense. Morocco's fertilizer group OCP signed a partnership with the Ministry of Industry, the National Defense Administration, and the Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P), alongside global companies including Lockheed Martin, Safran, Airbus, and Boeing. The agreement aims to advance research and development in Morocco's aviation and industrial sectors.
Another agreement signed during the event seeks to establish the African Manufacturing Excellence Center with the participation of institutional and industrial players. The Technical Center for Mechanical Industries signed the agreement alongside the ACME platform. Additionally, the Ministry of Trade and Royal Air Maroc (RAM) signed an agreement aimed at strengthening the integration of "Made in Morocco" products and services into the national carrier's supply chain.
The Ministry of Trade also signed a deal with the Ministry of Economy, the Ministry of Interior, the Ministry of Investment, and the National Defense Administration, alongside Harmattan AI, to develop next-generation technology for countering drones. The agreement covers research and development, engineering, production, integration, and testing. Furthermore, the National Defense Administration and Harmattan AI signed an agreement to develop a Moroccan-made drone to strengthen Morocco's defense and technological sovereignty.
An agreement between the Ministry of Trade, the Ministry of Investment, the Agency for Investment and Export Development, and Safran Oil Systems seeks to establish an industrial subsidiary of the company in Morocco. The subsidiary aims to develop industrial capabilities in aircraft engine lubrication systems and fluid management. These agreements demonstrate Morocco's efforts to boost its industrial and technological capabilities to strengthen defense sovereignty through local manufacturing.
According to Abdellatif Loudiyi, Morocco's aviation sector has witnessed significant development thanks to King Mohammed VI's vision. The sector has become a key driver for developing national industrial capabilities, transforming the country into a strategic global hub for aircraft manufacturing and maintenance. The development of the aerospace sector is part of a broader effort to modernize airport infrastructure and prepare for major international sporting events.
The Marrakech Airshow 2026 also features the participation of US F-35s, with 45 military personnel and three aircraft types in attendance. The event highlights Morocco's growing importance in the global aviation and defense industries. The agreements signed during the airshow are expected to have a significant impact on Morocco's economic and technological development.
Key points
- Morocco signs several agreements with international partners to boost its aviation and aerospace industry.
- The agreements aim to advance research and development in Morocco's aviation and industrial sectors.
- Morocco's aviation sector has undergone a qualitative shift from simple assembly to advanced manufacturing and engineering.
