Marrakech International Airshow: A Hub for Aviation and Defense Collaboration
On Wednesday, several agreements and partnerships were signed in Marrakech, aimed at bolstering cooperation between Morocco and both national and international stakeholders in the fields of aviation, industry, research and development, and defense technologies. These agreements were formalized during the opening session of the Marrakech International Airshow 2026, with the primary goal of enhancing research and development in Morocco's aviation and industrial sectors. They also seek to integrate locally manufactured products and services into the supply chain of Royal Air Maroc while developing national capabilities in defense technologies and counter-drone systems.
Specifically, the Ministry of Industry and Trade, the National Defense Administration, the OCP Group, and major companies such as Boeing, Lockheed Martin, Safran, and Airbus, along with Mohammed VI Polytechnic University and the ACMI platform, have signed a pivotal agreement aimed at promoting research and development in aviation and industry within Morocco. This initiative will involve the establishment of the African Manufacturing Excellence Center (ACMI), in collaboration with various institutional and industrial players.
Furthermore, an agreement was reached between the Ministry of Industry and Trade and Royal Air Maroc to enhance the incorporation of products and services branded as "Made in Morocco" into the national carrier's supply chain, thereby supporting the presence of Moroccan-origin products and services.
Another significant agreement was signed involving the Ministry of Industry and Trade, the Ministry of Investment, Evaluation of Public Policies, the Moroccan Agency for Investment and Export Development, and Safran Oil Systems. This agreement focuses on establishing an industrial branch of Safran in Morocco to develop industrial capabilities in aircraft lubrication systems and fluid management.
In addition, several ministries, including Industry and Trade, Economy and Finance, Interior, and Defense, have collaborated with Harmattan AI to develop next-generation technologies to combat drones. This comprehensive agreement encompasses research, development, engineering, production, integration, and testing.
Moreover, the National Defense Administration and Harmattan AI signed a contract to develop a Moroccan drone, reinforcing the country's defense sovereignty and technological capabilities.
These agreements signify Morocco's commitment to enhancing its position as an industrial and technological destination in the aviation sector, supporting local research and development, and fostering manufacturing capabilities, particularly in defense technologies and counter-drone strategies.
As reported by alhadat.ma.
