Casablanca – The United States Department of Defense is set to participate in the highly anticipated 2026 Marrakech Airshow, scheduled to take place from October 7 to 10 at the Royal Moroccan Air Force Base in Marrakech. The event will feature an impressive flyover by two F-35A Lightning II fighter jets, showcasing cutting-edge military aviation technology.
The American delegation will comprise approximately 45 military personnel. The F-35As, hailing from the 48th Fighter Wing based at RAF Lakenheath in the UK, will participate in the aerial display, while an HC-130J Super Hercules from the 176th Wing at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Alaska, along with a KC-135 Stratotanker from the Utah National Guard, will be showcased in a static display. This significant military presence underscores Morocco's role as a key player in the international aerospace and defense landscape.
This year's Marrakech Airshow marks its eighth edition, attracting nearly 200 exhibitors from 27 countries, alongside over 250 high-level civilian and military delegations. The United Arab Emirates serves as the strategic partner for this year’s event, which will focus on themes such as industrial sovereignty, resilient supply chains, advanced defense systems, artificial intelligence, and satellite technology. The airshow has grown in stature, with the previous edition in 2024 featuring 300 exhibitors and 75 official delegations within an expansive 12,500 square meters of exhibition space.
The presence of the American military at the airshow highlights the longstanding aviation relationship between the United States and Morocco. Joint training exercises involving US and Moroccan aircrews are a regular occurrence, focusing on operations with aircraft such as the F-16 Fighting Falcon and C-130 Hercules. The Moroccan F-16 fleet is integral to the nation's air combat capabilities, routinely collaborating with US forces. Notably, during the annual Exercise African Lion, pilots from both nations engage in joint missions that include in-flight refueling using US KC-135 Stratotankers, enabling Moroccan crews to prepare for extended range operations.
Brig. Gen. Matthew French, the Assistant to the Commander of USAFE-AFAFRICA, expressed pride in participating in the airshow, especially as it coincides with the upcoming 250th anniversary of the US-Moroccan alliance. "It is an honor to be at Marrakech ahead of the 250th anniversary of the U.S.-Moroccan Alliance," he stated, emphasizing that the event reinforces the strong and enduring partnership between the allied forces.
US Ambassador to Morocco Duke Buchan III echoed these sentiments, describing the airshow as a testament to the nearly 250-year relationship between the two nations. He highlighted the decades of joint flying, pilot training, and military cooperation that have defined US-Moroccan relations since Morocco became the first country to recognize American independence and seek diplomatic relations with the United States. Almost 250 years later, both countries continue to collaborate on regional peace, security, and mutual interests.
The American delegation views the airshow as a unique opportunity for pilots, maintainers, and security professionals to collaborate in person, exchange ideas, and reinforce operational connections between the United States and Morocco.
As reported by moroccoworldnews.com.
