Israel’s defense industry made its debut at the Marrakech Air Show 2026, with eight companies including IAI, Elbit, and Rafael showcasing advanced systems, as Morocco deepens its military and industrial ties with Israel amid a broader regional shift.
This participation follows the reprise des relations diplomatiques in 2020 between Israel and Morocco, which has since expanded to include joint military projects and industrial partnerships.
Israeli Defense Firms Highlight Advanced Systems
IAI, Israel’s largest defense contractor, showcased its Barak MX air defense system, a key component of Morocco’s military modernization. En association avec le Barak MX d’IAI, le système Spyder témoigne de l’ambition marocaine de mettre en place une protection anti-aérienne multicouche capable de contrer des menaces variées telles que les aéronefs, les drones, les missiles et les munitions. Rafael, known for its Spyder missile systems, also highlighted its presence, with satellite imagery diffusées cette année suggesting the deployment of these systems at Sidi Yahia El Gharb base. The Spyder, paired with IAI’s Barak MX, underscores Morocco’s focus on layered air defense capabilities, as detailed in le Jerusalem Post.
IAI’s participation marked its first official appearance at the Marrakech Air Show, signaling a shift from supplier-client dynamics to industrial collaboration, as noted in a 2026 Jerusalem Post report.
F-16 Block 72 Test Flight Marks Major Milestone
Lockheed Martin announced the successful first flight of the F-16 Block 72 for Morocco, a critical step toward the delivery of l’appareil. The test flight, conducted on October 6, 2026, underscored the U.S.-Morocco defense partnership, which includes the modernization of 23 F-16 déjà en service dans l’armée de l’air marocaine to the standard Viper. The $3,787 billion deal, approved in mars 2019, includes une avionique modernisée, de capteurs de pointe et de systèmes de mission améliorés. The Block 72’s APG-83 radar, developed by Northrop Grumman, shares technology with F-22 and F-35 platforms, enhancing target detection and engagement capabilities.
Mike Shoemaker, vice-président et directeur général de l’Integrated Fighter Group of Lockheed Martin, highlighted the F-16 Block 72’s 12,000-hour structural lifespan—50% longer than previous models—and its collision-avoidance system, designed to reduce pilot error. The aircraft’s modernized avionics and sensors, including the radar à antenne électronique active APG-83, position it as a cornerstone of Morocco’s air superiority.
Strategic Rapprochement and Regional Implications
The Marrakech Air Show participation reflects a broader strategic shift. Since 2020, Morocco and Israel have transitioned from supplier-client dynamics to a more integrated industrial partnership. Désormais, les liens de défense entre le Royaume et Israël s’orientent résolument vers l’intégration industrielle, les transferts de technologies et l’essor de compétences locales. This trend is part of Morocco’s efforts to bolster its military capabilities ainsi que sa souveraineté.
The event also showcased Israel’s growing defense exports, with 19,2 Mds $ d’exportations de défense en 2025, un record pour l’industrie israélienne.
For Israel, the collaboration with Morocco represents a strategic foothold in North Africa, expanding its defense exports. Pour les industriels israéliens désireux d’étendre leur présence sur le continent africain, Marrakech fait office de vitrine opérationnelle et de pôle de prospection commerciale. This alignment also supports Israel’s broader goal of securing regional partnerships. The 2026 air show, hosted on the base des Forces royales air de Marrakech, underscored the deepening military ties, with Israeli firms demonstrating systems tailored to Morocco’s operational needs.
