Impressive Aerial Maneuvers Mark the Conclusion of the Marrakech International Airshow
The eighth edition of the Marrakech International Airshow (2026) concluded on Saturday at the Royal Armed Forces airbase in Marrakech, featuring an exceptional aerial display by the renowned aerobatic team "Green March." This spectacular event showcased a combination of precision, skill, and coordination, captivating a large audience eager to witness the impressive aerial performances executed by the highly skilled pilots of the team, whose fame extends beyond national borders.
This elite aerobatic team, recognized as one of the most experienced in the field, delivered a performance that seamlessly integrated accuracy, coordination, and technical control. The closing day also included several breathtaking aerial displays, prominently featuring six F-16 fighter jets performing low-altitude maneuvers, followed by four additional aircraft.
A highlight for spectators was the opportunity to observe the expertise of combat helicopter pilots operating the newly acquired Apache helicopters, showcasing their operational capabilities and exceptional performance. Furthermore, the closing day saw the participation of prestigious foreign aerobatic teams, including the Saudi Royal Air Force's "Saudi Falcons," which demonstrated meticulous maneuvers and complete coordination among their pilots.
The Emirati aerobatic team, "Al Fursan," also captured the audience's attention with their stunning acrobatic movements, executed in perfect harmony within aerial formations. Flying seven Italian-made Aermacchi MB-339 aircraft, symbolizing the seven emirates of the United Arab Emirates, the "Al Fursan" pilots created breathtaking aerial displays that painted the sky with the colors of the national flag.
In a statement to the Maghreb Arab Press, the President of the Space, Aeronautics, and Defense Exhibitions Association, Tawfiq Musharraf, emphasized that this eighth edition of the airshow represents a significant turning point for the aviation, space, and defense sectors in the Kingdom. He noted that Marrakech transformed over the four days into a global hub for innovation, with approximately 200 exhibitors representing 27 countries and more than 60 foreign delegations, including 27 African delegations.
Musharraf further highlighted that the outcomes of the 2026 edition reflect substantial strategic progress in both industrial and technological fields, embodying the royal vision aimed at establishing sovereign independence and elevating the national industrial framework to new heights of added value. The exhibition was marked by the signing of major agreements aimed at enhancing local integration and solidifying the foundation of the national aviation industry, as well as diversifying advanced competencies, including agreements to strengthen local supply chains and develop national companies.
Additionally, he mentioned that several major industrial groups renewed their confidence in Morocco as an investment destination, contributing to greater added value within the Kingdom. He also noted that global industrial groups have joined the coalition established around the "African Manufacturing Excellence Center," hosted by the Mohammed VI Polytechnic University in Ben Guerir, which brings together the state, the Office Cherifien des Phosphates, and global leaders such as Boeing, Airbus, Lockheed Martin, and Safran.
Musharraf added that the industrial partnerships formed, particularly in defense mobility and the integration of electronic systems and complex aircraft, reflect the Kingdom's commitment to designing and assembling sovereign technologies on its territory. He pointed out the signing of a crucial agreement to establish a sovereign technological and industrial ecosystem through a comprehensive platform encompassing all stages, from research to engineering, assembly, and testing.
The Marrakech International Airshow 2026 welcomed over 17,000 professional visitors during the first three days, alongside approximately 25,000 general public attendees, resulting in a total visitor count of around 40,000. This event, held under the high patronage of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, served as an opportunity to showcase the trajectory of Morocco's aviation industry and diversify its areas of activity.
The exhibition was organized by the Space, Aeronautics, and Defense Exhibitions Association, in partnership with the Ministry of Industry and Trade, the Ministry of Transport and Logistics, the National Defense Administration, the Royal Armed Forces, and the Royal Gendarmerie, with support from the Moroccan Agency for Investment and Export Development, the National Airports Office, and Royal Air Maroc.
As reported by le12.ma.
