The Spectacle of the Marrakech Air Show 2026
The 8th edition of the Marrakech Air Show (MAS 2026) concluded on Saturday at the Royal Armed Forces (FAR) airbase in Marrakech, showcasing an extraordinary air display led by the renowned Moroccan aerobatic team, "La Marche Verte." This highly anticipated aerial event attracted a large audience eager to witness the impressive aerial demonstrations executed flawlessly by the seasoned pilots of this team, whose reputation extends well beyond national borders.
Among the most experienced aerobatic formations, the team delivered a performance that combined precision, coordination, virtuosity, and technical mastery. The closing day was further highlighted by several spectacular aerial displays, including a low-altitude flyby featuring six F-16 fighter jets, followed by the overflight of four additional aircraft. Attendees were also treated to the remarkable skills of attack helicopter pilots flying the newly acquired "Apache" helicopters, which illustrated the operational capabilities and performance of these advanced machines.
International Participation and Strategic Advancements
The final day also saw the participation of prestigious foreign aerial demonstration teams, including the Royal Saudi Air Force's "Saudi Hawks," who showcased their precise maneuvers and perfect synchronization. Furthermore, the Emirati aerobatic team, "Al Fursan," impressed the audience with their acrobatic figures performed in formation. Flying seven Italian Aermacchi MB-339 aircraft, symbolizing the seven emirates of the United Arab Emirates, the Al Fursan pilots executed harmonious aerial figures that painted artistic tableaux in the sky, reflecting the colors of their national flag.
In a statement to MAP, Taoufiq Moucharraf, President of the Association of Aerospace, Aeronautics, and Defense Exhibitions (ASSAD), emphasized that the 8th edition of MAS marks a significant turning point for Morocco's aerospace, space, and defense ecosystem. He noted that over the four-day event, Marrakech became a global hub for innovation, featuring nearly 200 exhibitors from 27 countries and more than 60 foreign delegations, including 27 from Africa. "The results of this 2026 edition particularly reflect concrete and strategic industrial and technological advancements, manifesting the Royal Vision of building sovereign autonomy and propelling our industrial fabric to new heights of high added value," he added.
Moucharraf further highlighted the signing of major agreements aimed at strengthening local integration, consolidating the national aerospace base, and diversifying cutting-edge skills. These agreements included initiatives to enhance the local supply chain and develop local companies, creating jobs and wealth while facilitating the localization of new professions and improving integration into the industrial value chain. He also mentioned agreements with industry giants that reaffirm their confidence in Morocco as a destination, generating increased value within the country.
He noted that global leaders had joined the consortium established around the Africa Center of Manufacturing Excellence, a center hosted at the Nouaceur site of Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P), which brings together the state, OCP, and global giants such as Boeing, Airbus, Lockheed Martin, and Safran Nacelles. "The industrial partnerships established, particularly in defensive mobility and the integration of electronic systems and complex aircraft, illustrate the Kingdom's commitment to designing and assembling sovereign technologies on its territory," he added, referencing the signing of a significant agreement aimed at establishing a sovereign technological and industrial shield through a comprehensive and integrated platform encompassing research, engineering, assembly, and testing.
Moreover, MAS 2026 welcomed over 17,000 professional visitors during the first three days, alongside nearly 25,000 public visitors, bringing the total to around 40,000 attendees, both professional and general public combined. Under the High Patronage of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, the Marrakech Airshow 2026 provided an opportunity to highlight the progress made by the Moroccan aerospace industry and the diversification of its segments. The 2026 edition was organized by ASSAD in partnership with the Ministry of Industry and Trade, the Ministry of Transport and Logistics, the National Defense Administration, the FAR, and the Royal Gendarmerie, with support from AMDIE, the National Airports Office (ONDA), Royal Air Maroc (RAM), and the Deposit and Management Fund (CDG).
As reported by lareleve.ma.
