Story perspectives

Israel debuts first national pavilion at Marrakech Air Show

By Drooid · Oct 8, 2026, 11:12 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Israel Opens Pavilion

Israel opened its first national pavilion at the Marrakech Air Show, marking its debut in a Moroccan defence exhibition.
Elbit Systems, Israel Aerospace Industries and Rafael displayed air, land, sea, space, intelligence, cyber and digital solutions.
Eight Israeli defence firms showcased combat-proven loitering munitions and AI-powered robotic systems.
Morocco’s defence administration minister Abdellatif Loudiyi visited the IAI pavilion on October 8, 2026.

Summary

US Flies F-35

The United States flew an F-35A Lightning II over Africa, the first fifth-generation jet on the continent.
About 45 U.S. service members, including the 48th Fighter Wing from RAF Lakenheath, participated.
The Utah National Guard displayed a KC-135 Stratotanker, continuing a State Partnership Program with Morocco since 2003.
Lockheed Martin, as Platinum Sponsor, hosted an industrial matchmaking day with Morocco’s Ministry of Industry.

History

Historical Context

Building on a friendship that began with the 1786 Treaty of Marrakesh and Cold-War aid exceeding $1 billion, the United States and Morocco signed a 1994 Strategic Partnership for defense cooperation. A 2009 $841.9 million F-16 contract reinforced the link, and today joint displays of Israeli loitering munitions and a US F-35 over Marrakech illustrate the deepening Western security network.

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Israel Opens Pavilion

Israel opened its first national pavilion at the Marrakech Air Show, marking its debut in a Moroccan defence exhibition.
Elbit Systems, Israel Aerospace Industries and Rafael displayed air, land, sea, space, intelligence, cyber and digital solutions.
Eight Israeli defence firms showcased combat-proven loitering munitions and AI-powered robotic systems.
Morocco’s defence administration minister Abdellatif Loudiyi visited the IAI pavilion on October 8, 2026.

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