Israeli Military Firms Participate in Marrakech Air Show for the First Time
In a significant development reflecting the strengthening ties between Morocco and Israel, eight Israeli arms manufacturing companies, including the Israeli Aerospace Industries (IAI), Elbit Systems, and Rafael, participated for the first time in the 2026 Marrakech International Air Show. This event, which is seen as a showcase of military cooperation between the two nations, coincided with the third anniversary of the "Al-Aqsa Flood" movement. The air show, running from October 7 to 10 at the Royal Moroccan Air Force base, featured approximately 200 exhibitors from 27 countries.
Advanced Military Systems and Local Production Initiatives
The air show spotlighted various advanced military systems, notably Elbit Systems' combat-proven technologies, such as the long-range Hermes 900 drone designed for surveillance and targeted strikes and the SkyStriker loitering munitions capable of autonomous target identification and precise attacks. The event marks a pivotal shift in Morocco's defense strategy, as highlighted by Moroccan Defense Minister Abdelatif Loudiyi, who emphasized a transition from merely importing military capabilities to establishing national defense sovereignty and production capabilities. As part of this initiative, Israeli firms are now beginning to relocate some manufacturing operations to Morocco under agreements that include drone assembly and military electronics production.
This unprecedented collaboration is set against the backdrop of Morocco's official diplomatic relations with Israel, which were normalized under U.S. mediation in 2020. Following this normalization, Israel has emerged as one of Morocco's key defense suppliers, joining the ranks of the United States and France. Previous agreements have included the procurement of the Barak 8 air defense system, Hermes drones, and intelligence satellites utilized in the ongoing conflict with the Polisario Front in Western Sahara. Reports have surfaced regarding the use of Israeli weaponry and drones in military operations within this contested region, raising concerns about civilian casualties.
In a simultaneous diplomatic gesture, Morocco and Israel announced last month the elevation of their diplomatic relations, transitioning their liaison offices to official embassies and appointing ambassadors, thereby cementing institutional normalization efforts. However, this partnership has faced significant backlash from the Moroccan populace, who continue to express their opposition to normalization with Israel. On the first day of the air show, coinciding with the anniversary of the Gaza War, demonstrators gathered outside the Moroccan parliament to protest against the growing military ties, chanting slogans in solidarity with Palestine and denouncing the occupation.
As reported by awras.com.
