On Saturday, October 10, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) announced that the commander of the Royal Moroccan Air Forces met with the head of the Israeli military aviation training department in Marrakech during the International Aerospace and Defense Show. This meeting aimed to discuss their strategic relations and the continuation of their cooperation in defense matters.
The conversation brought together the Moroccan air command official and an Israeli colonel, whose name was only partially disclosed. This officer led an official military delegation that participated in the Marrakech Airshow, which took place from October 7 to 10. On Thursday, October 8, he engaged in several professional meetings alongside Colonel Sharon Itach, the Israeli military attaché in Morocco, visiting the defense companies’ pavilions from his country to explore technological cooperation opportunities.
Deepening Strategic Relationships
According to the Israeli military command, the discussions between the two officials focused on _“deepening strategic relations and continuing cooperation between the two air forces.”_ However, the report did not provide details on the specific areas discussed, any proposals made to the Moroccan side, or the follow-up actions anticipated from this meeting.
The participation of this delegation marks an official first at the Marrakech Airshow since the signing of the Abraham Accords. The Israeli command views this visit as a new chapter in the professional relations between the two military air forces, an event that also welcomed officials from air forces in various African, Arab, European countries, and the United States.
Israeli Defense Industry Representation at Marrakech
This military presence was complemented by the participation of the Israeli Ministry of Defense, which opened its first national pavilion at the show, managed by its International Defense Cooperation Directorate (SIBAT). Eight Israeli companies participated, including Israel Aerospace Industries, Elbit Systems, and Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, along with ASIO Technologies, Orbit Communication Systems, SHILAT Optronics, UVision Air, and XTEND Systems.
The equipment showcased included drones, loitering munitions, autonomous systems, guidance systems, satellite communications, and military applications of artificial intelligence. The official Israeli delegation met with several representatives from these companies during the show, although military authorities did not announce any new contracts directly related to the visit of their officers.
The Marrakech meeting continues to build on the military relations formalized after the resumption of diplomatic ties between Rabat and Tel Aviv in December 2020. On November 24, 2021, the then Israeli Defense Minister Benny Gantz and Moroccan Minister of National Defense Abdeltif Loudyi signed a memorandum of understanding in Rabat, establishing a framework for cooperation in military, intelligence, and training fields. This agreement paved the way for institutional exchanges and closer relations between the defense establishments of both nations.
As reported by barlamane.com.
