F-35A Fighters Take to the Skies Over Morocco
On October 8, 2026, during the inauguration of the Marrakech International Airshow 2026, the skies above Marrakech were graced with a remarkable display featuring US Air Force F-35A fighters flying alongside Moroccan F-16s. This stunning event marked the debut of the American stealth fighter in Moroccan airspace, as well as its first appearance at a major African airshow. The US Africa Command confirmed that the participating F-35As were deployed from the 48th Fighter Wing, stationed at Lakenheath Air Force Base in the UK. Lockheed Martin shared captivating images of this aerial participation, highlighting the collaboration between the Moroccan Royal Air Force's F-16s and the US F-35As, which opened four days dedicated to showcasing airpower, technology, and the enduring partnership between Washington and Rabat.
The American presence at the airshow gained further significance given the substantial military attendance, with approximately 45 US military personnel participating alongside the F-35A and the static display of an HC-130J Super Hercules, along with a KC-135 Stratotanker. This broad American representation extends beyond merely showcasing a single aircraft; it encompasses a range of aerial capabilities related to operations, support, and long-range deployment. Moreover, this participation coincides with Lockheed Martin's increased engagement in Morocco. Just a day before the airshow commenced, the company announced the successful first flight of the Moroccan F-16 Block 72 fighter, paving the way for flight tests ahead of its delivery to the Moroccan Royal Air Force. This latest variant of the F-16 family boasts advanced avionics, sensors, and mission systems.
Strengthening Industrial Ties and Technological Advancements
Lockheed Martin's involvement in the airshow was not limited to its aircraft. The company showcased a model of the F-35 cockpit alongside models of the F-35A, F-16, and C-130J aircraft, as well as systems such as HIMARS, Javelin, and the Sniper targeting pod. The American C-130J and Moroccan F-16s also participated in the outdoor display area. Additionally, Lockheed Martin utilized the airshow as an opportunity to bolster the industrial aspect of its partnership with Morocco, organizing an industrial day on October 6 to discuss integration opportunities for Moroccan companies within Lockheed Martin's global supply chain, emphasizing qualification, manufacturing requirements, and local company capabilities. The company's goal is to enhance Moroccan companies' participation in current and future programs while developing maintenance and support capabilities within the kingdom.
During the airshow, Lockheed Martin also announced its status as a founding member of the African Center of Excellence for Manufacturing at Mohammed VI Polytechnic University. This initiative aims to combine scientific research, Moroccan skills, and industrial expertise to develop advanced manufacturing technologies and strengthen the local manufacturing base. Furthermore, the event witnessed the signing of an agreement to establish a joint research and development platform in advanced manufacturing, involving several industrial and academic institutions.
On the military front, attendees included General John D. Lamontagne, the Deputy Chief of Staff of the US Air Force, alongside Major General Ricky Mills and Brigadier General Derek C. France. Lamontagne has held his position since February 2026, making him the second-highest military official in the US Air Force. The American ambassador to Morocco, Duke Buchan, welcomed the US military leadership during their visit, emphasizing their participation in the Marrakech Airshow as a testament to the robust defense partnership between the two nations and ongoing military cooperation on shared security issues. The ambassador facilitated meetings between US and Moroccan officials, including Lamontagne, Abdellatif Loudiyi, and General Mohamed Buraiz, focusing on defense collaboration and military relations between the countries.
On the Moroccan side, Abdellatif Loudiyi, the Minister Delegate to the Head of Government in charge of National Defense Administration, emphasized local manufacturing and technology transfer as central to the kingdom's future direction. During the airshow's inauguration, he stated that the aerospace sector has become a key driver for developing national industrial capabilities, noting Morocco's gradual transition from assembly operations to advanced engineering and manufacturing, while also striving to attract investments and localize military-related technologies. Loudiyi affirmed that the ultimate goal is to transition from a nation that imports defense capabilities to one that independently builds its own national capacities, a strategy tied to developing a Moroccan defense industrial and technological base, attracting foreign investments, and establishing partnerships with international companies while increasing the participation of Moroccan institutions in global production chains.
This evolving landscape positions the Marrakech Airshow as a platform that transcends merely showcasing aircraft and equipment, transforming it into a space for industrial partnerships, technology transfer, and the development of manufacturing capabilities within the kingdom. The 2026 edition features over 150 companies operating in Morocco's aerospace ecosystem, with a clear focus on industrial sovereignty, advanced defense technologies, artificial intelligence, and space technologies. The appearance of the American F-35A alongside Moroccan F-16s adds a significant dimension to the US participation, particularly as Lockheed Martin has placed the stealth fighter at the forefront of its presence at the airshow.
As reported by defense-arabic.com.
