The Marrakech Airshow opens on Wednesday 7 October with a strong US military and defense industry presence. The four-day event runs until 10 October at the Royal Air Force base in Marrakech. Held under the High Patronage of King Mohammed VI, it brings together military officials, defense companies, aircraft manufacturers and civil aviation leaders from several countries.
The US Department of Defense is taking part with US Air Forces in Europe, Air Forces Africa and the US Embassy in Rabat. The program includes a US Air Force flyover, while aircraft from the Utah and Alaska Air National Guards are on static display. The Utah National Guard has worked with Morocco since 2003 under the US State Partnership Program, with cooperation covering joint tactical training, medical readiness and disaster response.
Lockheed Martin is one of the main defense companies at the show and a Platinum Sponsor. It is presenting an F-35 cockpit demonstrator and scale models of the F-35A, F-16 and C-130J Super Hercules. Visitors can also see an operational US Air Force C-130J and Royal Moroccan Air Force F-16s on static display, along with the Sniper targeting pod, the Javelin missile and the HIMARS rocket system.
The company held an industrial matchmaking day with the Ministry of Industry and Trade on Tuesday, one day before the opening. The meeting focused on connecting Moroccan manufacturers with Lockheed Martin’s global supply chains. Industrial cooperation has a long history: Morocco first acquired C-130 Hercules aircraft in 1974, marking the start of decades of work with the company.
The 2026 airshow comes as Morocco develops its aerospace industry, including aircraft maintenance, manufacturing and technology. It is also a place for international defense companies, government delegations and civil aviation leaders to discuss new partnerships and agreements.