Israeli Arms Manufacturers Participate in Morocco's Marrakech Air Show for First Time

Eight Israeli defense manufacturers alongside the Israeli Ministry of Defense participated in the 2026 Marrakech Air Show in Morocco from October 7 to 10, establishing Israel's first official national pavilion at a Moroccan military exhibition. Major defense giants including Elbit Systems, Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), and Rafael Advanced Defense Systems showcased combat-proven equipment, including drones, air defense platforms, and loitering munitions. The milestone reflects deepening military and diplomatic alignment following the 2020 Abraham Accords and supports Morocco's effort to develop domestic defense manufacturing. However, the public showcase has sparked intense criticism and public protests in Rabat due to ongoing Israeli military actions in Gaza.

// Background

Morocco and Israel normalized relations in December 2020 under the US-brokered Abraham Accords, which included US recognition of Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara. Military cooperation was formalised in 2021, leading to major arms acquisitions including Barak 8 missile defenses and surveillance satellites used in Morocco's conflict with the Polisario Front. In September 2026, both nations announced plans to upgrade their liaison offices to full embassies.

// Key Developments

• Israel's Ministry of Defense established its first official national pavilion at the Marrakech Air Show, led by SIBAT.
• Eight Israeli defense companies showcased hardware including Hermes drones, SkyStriker loitering munitions, Spyder air defense, and AI-powered robotics.
• Moroccan Defense Minister Abdellatif Loudyi framed military cooperation as a move toward national capacity building and defense sovereignty.
• Pro-Palestinian demonstrations erupted outside parliament in Rabat protesting Morocco's deepening military ties with Israel.