The 8th Marrakech International Air Show (MAS) is set to take place from October 7 to 10, 2026, at the Royal Armed Forces Air Base in Marrakech. The event is organized by the Association of Aerospace, Defense, and Defense Exhibitions (ASSAD) in partnership with several Moroccan government agencies and private sector companies. This year's edition is expected to attract numerous high-level foreign delegations, including ministers, chiefs of staff, and senior civil and military officials.

The event will feature a strong presence of major global players in the aerospace and defense industries, including Lockheed Martin, L3Harris, Airbus, Boeing, Safran, Thales, Embraer, RTX Corporation, IAI, Elbit Systems, and Tata Advanced Systems. The Moroccan aerospace industry will also be well-represented, showcasing its capabilities in areas such as engineering, maintenance, and electronics.

The Marrakech Air Show has established itself as a premier platform for industry professionals to network, generate business leads, and showcase the latest technological innovations. This year's edition is expected to build on the success of previous events, which have attracted significant attention from the global aerospace and defense communities.

The United Arab Emirates will be the strategic partner for this year's event, with a large delegation and significant presence of Emirati companies in the aerospace and defense sectors. The UAE's participation is expected to strengthen bilateral cooperation and open up new market opportunities for Emirati companies, particularly in Africa and Europe.

The air show will feature a range of activities, including a flying display, a static exhibition of aircraft and defense systems, and a conference program focused on strategic issues and industry trends. The event will also provide a platform for industry leaders to discuss key challenges and opportunities, including industrial sovereignty, supply chain security, and digital transformation.

According to Toufiq Mechrafi, President of ASSAD, the Marrakech Air Show has become a flagship event for the Moroccan aerospace industry, showcasing its capabilities and achievements to a global audience. The event is expected to reinforce Morocco's position as a major player in the global aerospace and defense industries.

The 8th Marrakech International Air Show is expected to generate significant business leads and partnerships, both within Morocco and internationally. With its strong focus on innovation, technology, and collaboration, the event is poised to play a key role in shaping the future of the aerospace and defense industries in Morocco and beyond.

Key points

  • The 8th Marrakech International Air Show features 200 exhibitors from 27 countries.
  • The event is organized under the patronage of King Mohammed VI.
  • The United Arab Emirates is the strategic partner for this year's event.

Share this story

Written by

SaharaWire Newsroom
SaharaWire

Reporting for SaharaWire from the Nairobi bureau.