The United States will participate in the 2026 Marrakech Airshow, which runs from October 7 to 10 at the Royal Moroccan Air Force Base in Marrakech. The US delegation will comprise about 45 military personnel. Two F-35A Lightning II fighter jets from the 48th Fighter Wing at RAF Lakenheath in the UK will conduct a flyover during the event.
In addition to the F-35As, an HC-130J Super Hercules from the 176th Wing at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Alaska and a KC-135 Stratotanker from the Utah National Guard will be on display. The US presence at the airshow underscores the long-standing aviation relationship between the US and Morocco. The two countries regularly conduct joint training exercises and operations.
The Marrakech Airshow, now in its eighth edition, has become a significant platform for Morocco's aerospace and defense industries. This year's event features nearly 200 exhibitors from 27 countries and over 250 high-level civilian and military delegations. The United Arab Emirates serves as the strategic partner for the 2026 airshow.
The airshow focuses on industrial sovereignty, resilient supply chains, advanced defense systems, artificial intelligence, and satellite technology. Last year's edition in 2024 had 300 exhibitors, over 75 official delegations, and 12,500 square meters of exhibition space. The US participation highlights the cooperation between the two countries in the aviation sector.
Morocco's F-16 fleet forms the backbone of its air combat capability and frequently works alongside US forces. During the annual Exercise African Lion, pilots from both countries conduct joint missions, including in-flight refueling from US KC-135 Stratotankers. This allows Moroccan aircrews to train for longer-range operations.
Brig. Gen. Matthew French, ANG Assistant to the Commander of USAFE-AFAFRICA, emphasized the significance of the airshow ahead of the 250th anniversary of the US-Moroccan alliance. US Ambassador to Morocco Duke Buchan III noted that the airshow reflects the nearly 250-year relationship between the two countries, which includes decades of joint flying, pilot training, and military operations.
The airshow also provides an opportunity for pilots, maintainers, and security professionals to work together, exchange ideas, and strengthen operational ties between the US and Morocco. Morocco was the first country to recognize US independence and seek diplomatic relations with the United States, marking the beginning of a long-standing alliance.
Key points
- The US will send 45 military personnel and three aircraft types to the Marrakech Airshow 2026.
- The airshow highlights the strong aviation relationship between Washington and Rabat.
- The event features nearly 200 exhibitors from 27 countries and over 250 high-level civilian and military delegations.
