Celebrating Aviation Excellence at the Marrakech International Airshow
The 2026 edition of the Marrakech International Airshow concluded today at the Royal Armed Forces Air Base in Marrakech, showcasing a breathtaking aerial display presented by the renowned aerobatics team, "Al-Massira Al-Khadra." This event, now in its eighth iteration, attracted a significant audience eager to witness the remarkable performances executed with precision and skill by seasoned pilots from the team, which boasts a reputation that transcends national borders.
The air show featured an array of stunning presentations, including a captivating flight of six F-16 fighter jets flying at low altitude, followed by maneuvers performed by four additional aircraft. The audience was also treated to impressive displays by combat helicopter pilots flying Apache helicopters, which have recently been acquired by the Royal Armed Forces. These exhibitions highlighted the operational capabilities and outstanding performance of these advanced aircraft.
International teams also participated in the finale, including the distinguished Saudi Royal Air Force aerobatic team, "Al-Suqour Al-Saudia," whose performance demonstrated the accuracy of their maneuvers and complete coordination among the pilots. The Emirati aerobatic team, "Al-Fursan," captured the audience's attention with their coordinated acrobatics, performed gracefully in aerial formations. Utilizing seven Italian-made Aermacchi MB-339 aircraft, symbolizing the seven emirates that make up the United Arab Emirates, the "Al-Fursan" team created stunning aerial displays that painted vibrant representations of the national flag across the sky.
In a statement to the Moroccan News Agency, Tawfiq Musharraf, President of the Association of Space, Aviation and Defense Exhibitions, emphasized that the eighth edition of the airshow marks a significant turning point for the aviation, space, and defense sectors in Morocco. He pointed out that Marrakech transformed into a global hub for innovation over the four days of the event, featuring nearly 200 exhibitors from 27 countries and over 60 foreign delegations, including 27 African delegations.
Musharraf further elaborated that the outcomes of the 2026 edition reflect substantial industrial and technological advancements, embodying the royal vision aimed at establishing sovereign independence and elevating the national industrial fabric to new heights of added value. The exhibition was notable for the signing of major agreements aimed at enhancing local integration, solidifying the national aviation manufacturing base, and diversifying advanced competencies. These agreements include initiatives to strengthen local supply chains, develop national companies, and create job opportunities while generating wealth and added value through the introduction of new professions and improved integration into the industrial value chain.
He also mentioned that major industrial groups renewed their trust in Morocco as a destination, contributing to greater added value within the kingdom. Additionally, prominent global firms have joined the coalition established around the "African Manufacturing Excellence Center," hosted at the Mohammed VI Polytechnic University in Ben Guerir. This initiative brings together the state, the OCP Group, and major global companies such as Boeing, Airbus, Lockheed Martin, and Safran.
Musharraf highlighted that the industrial partnerships formed, particularly in the areas of defense mobility and systems integration for complex aircraft, reflect Morocco's desire to design and assemble sovereign technologies on its territory. He also noted the signing of a significant agreement to establish a sovereign technological and industrial ecosystem through an integrated platform encompassing all stages from research to engineering, assembly, and testing.
Moreover, the Marrakech International Airshow 2026 welcomed over 17,000 professional visitors during its first three days, alongside approximately 25,000 general attendees, raising the total visitor count to nearly 40,000, including both professionals and the general public.
This airshow, held under the high patronage of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, served as a platform to highlight the progress made by the Moroccan aviation industry and the diversification of its activities.
The event was organized by the Association of Space, Aviation, and Defense Exhibitions, 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, Royal Air Maroc, and the Deposit and Management Fund.