The Historic Participation of F-35A at Marrakech Air Show
The presence of the F-35A Lightning II at the Marrakech Air Show 2026 marks a significant milestone in the military relations between Morocco and the United States. For the very first time in Africa, two fifth-generation stealth fighters from the US Air Force, the F-35A, soared through the Moroccan skies during the event held from October 7 to 10 at the Royal Air Forces Base in Marrakech. This American participation goes beyond mere aerial demonstrations; it exemplifies the profound strategic partnership between Washington and Rabat, now structured around military cooperation, cutting-edge technologies, and industrial development.
Approximately 45 American military personnel participated in the event alongside several aircraft, including a HC-130J Super Hercules and a KC-135 Stratotanker. Another highlight of this eighth edition of the Marrakech Air Show was the presence of Lockheed Martin, the manufacturer of the F-35 and a Platinum sponsor of the event. On October 6, the American group organized an 'Industry Day' in coordination with the Moroccan Ministry of Industry and Trade, aimed at connecting Moroccan companies with its programs and global supply chain, particularly by identifying potential local suppliers.
Strengthening Morocco's Defense Industry
This initiative comes at a time when Morocco is keen on bolstering its defense industry while elevating its aerospace and space sector. The challenge is no longer limited to the acquisition of military equipment; Rabat also aims to develop skills, enhance its production capabilities, and achieve greater integration into international value chains within the aerospace, defense, and space sectors. The participation of the two American F-35As at the Marrakech Air Show 2026 carries a unique significance, especially in a context where Morocco has frequently been mentioned as a potential buyer of the American fighter jet, although no official confirmation of such an acquisition has been made thus far.
On the other hand, the Royal Armed Forces (FAR) are preparing to receive their first batch of F-16 Block 72 aircraft, ordered in 2019 as part of a $3.78 billion contract for a total of 25 aircraft, alongside the modernization of a portion of the existing fleet. From the delivery of the first C-130Hs in 1974 to the F-16s, the collaboration with Lockheed Martin is rooted in a history spanning several decades. In Marrakech, this partnership appears to be opening a new chapter, where military cooperation is complemented by a heightened industrial and technological ambition.
As reported by agenceafrique.com.
