Marrakech Air Show 2026 Highlights New Defense Innovations
The Marrakech Air Show 2026 kicked off on October 7th, showcasing significant advancements in Morocco's aerospace and defense sectors. This year's event was marked by the signing of five key agreements, among which two were specifically with the French company Harmattan AI. These agreements entail an investment convention focused on anti-drone technologies and a letter of intent for the development of a long-range strike drone named IRIFI, which is expected to be produced locally in Morocco.
Strategic Developments in Defense Technology
During the opening ceremony, Moroccan officials highlighted the potential economic impact of these agreements, which are projected to create approximately 1,000 direct and indirect jobs. The investment agreement was signed by prominent Moroccan ministers, including Ryad Mezzour, the Minister of Industry and Trade; Abdeltif Loudyi, the Minister Delegate for National Defense Administration; and Karim Zidane, the Minister Delegate for Investment. Harmattan AI, co-founded and led by Mouad M’Ghari, a Franco-Moroccan entrepreneur born in Rabat, is no stranger to the Moroccan market. The company previously established a partnership with the Royal Armed Forces in June to manufacture autonomous defense systems locally, and it is already operating an engineering hub in Rabat.
As reported by telquel.ma.
