Morocco considers naval exhibition to attract arms manufacturers
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on Bladi
Morocco is considering extending the Marrakech Airshow to the naval sector to attract arms manufacturers and investment, with sites under consideration at Ksar Sghir, near Tangier, and in the Marrakech region. The project comes amid Spanish initiatives linked to the FEINDEF exhibition and maritime demonstrations, according to Bladi, citing Xataka and Escudo Digital.
Morocco is considering extending its Marrakech Airshow, an international aviation exhibition, to the naval sector to attract arms manufacturers and their investment, according to Spanish outlet Escudo Digital, cited by Bladi. Two sites are being considered for the initiative: Ksar Sghir, near Tangier, and Casablanca.
The Moroccan project comes amid competition with Spain, where the FEINDEF defence exhibition is set to bring together more than 746 companies across 89,100 sq m in May 2027, a 46% increase in exhibition space. Madrid does not, however, allow demonstrations of warships or military operations at sea, prompting Spanish industry representatives to consider a complementary event in the Bay of Cádiz, near Navantia’s shipyards, Airbus facilities and Rota naval base, Xataka reports.
The Marrakech exhibition, held from 7 to 10 October, brought together nearly 200 exhibitors from 27 countries, including American, European and Israeli groups. Morocco is also developing two defence industrial platforms at Nouaceur and Sidi Yahya, covering a total of 675 hectares. Indian manufacturer MKU plans to produce surveillance equipment and ballistic protection there, while Rabat is also exploring military co-production projects with India, according to Bladi.
