The countdown has begun for the Marrakech Air Show (MAS) 2026, set to be the premier international platform for aerospace, defense, and space innovation in Africa. Scheduled from October 7 to 10, 2026, at the Marrakech Air Base, this biennial event is once again attracting global giants from the arms and air defense industry. Numerous international groups have confirmed their attendance at the show, with the potential for significant deals in the backdrop. The ambitious modernization program undertaken by the Royal Armed Forces, particularly its air component, has become a priority for renowned global producers, making the airshow a major opportunity for engagement and collaboration.
Notable among the key participants is L3Harris, an American producer and one of the main sponsors of the event. L3Harris has established strong ties with the Moroccan market, being a partner of the Royal Air Forces (FRA). Recently, a second C-130H aircraft arrived at Wako Airport as part of the modernization program aimed at enhancing air transport capabilities for freight and logistical support. This modernization is part of a technical partnership with L3Harris Technologies, which has previously updated the avionics of the C-130H fleet for the U.S. Air Force, National Guard, and Air Force Reserve, improving mission reliability and reducing pilot workload.
MAS 2026 will provide an opportunity to showcase and promote new products to potential clients, both Moroccan and international. The last edition of the show in 2024 could have been a significant occasion for securing deals related to key niches in the defense sector within the Kingdom. Other exhibitors, such as Bell, which has a solid foothold in the Moroccan market through its provision of helicopters for the Royal Navy, will also be present. Bell Textron, based in Fort Worth, Texas, manufactures both civil and military helicopters, as well as tiltrotor aircraft. European leaders, including the Italian manufacturer Leonardo, will also participate. Leonardo is recognized as one of the principal international groups in the aerospace and defense sector, specializing in weapons, helicopters, and space technology, with its flagship product being the Leonardo M-346, a military training and operational transformation aircraft.
Additionally, the global leader Safran is expected to make a significant appearance at the Marrakech Show. The year 2025 saw the announcement of a major investment by the French giant in Morocco, with the launch of a new LEAP engine maintenance and repair site in Casablanca. This new facility, announced during French President Emmanuel Macron’s visit to Rabat, is designed to support the rapid growth of the LEAP engine fleet that powers the majority of new-generation single-aisle aircraft, like the Airbus A320neo and Boeing 737MAX. Operational by 2027, this workshop will cover 25,000 square meters and will have the capacity to maintain 150 engines annually, creating 600 new jobs by 2030, with a total investment of around 120 million euros. Furthermore, Safran plans to set up a new assembly line dedicated to the LEAP-1A engine for Airbus, complementing existing capabilities in France.
The 2026 edition of the Marrakech Air Show signifies a new era for Morocco's aerospace ecosystem, which now hosts over 150 internationally renowned companies, focusing on industrial sovereignty, advanced defense systems, artificial intelligence, and satellite technologies. Organizers aim to make this edition a landmark event.
As highlighted by the organizers, "The Marrakech Air Show serves as a premier showcase and celebration of the global aerospace industry. It acts as a strategic lever to enhance industrial integration and modernize local capabilities to keep pace with the rapid technological and environmental changes that characterize the industry globally. The event provides a world-class environment for leaders to anticipate the future of air transport and forge sustainable industrial partnerships." MAS 2026 promises to deliver an immersive experience with a two-fold approach: a world-class static exhibition of cutting-edge military and civilian aircraft, alongside a high-tech indoor showcase featuring global and local industry leaders. This ecosystem is designed to foster strategic networking, spur high-value business opportunities, and provide a comprehensive view of the latest aerospace technologies and disruptive innovations shaping the industry today.
As reported by aujourdhui.ma.
