Morocco Joins the F-16 Fighter Aircraft Manufacturing Club: A Strategic Shift in Defense Partnership with Washington
The United States has included Morocco in the list of countries participating in the F-16 fighter aircraft component manufacturing program, marking a qualitative shift in the defense cooperation between Rabat and Washington. This move reflects Morocco’s advanced standing in military industries within North Africa. A document issued by the U.S. Federal Register revealed that the American government, under Sections 36(c) and 36(d) of the Arms Export Control Act, is preparing to issue a license for the export of defense materials, including technical data and related services, worth over $50 million to several countries including Morocco. The goal is to support the manufacturing of equipment related to combat aircraft.
This development coincides with Lockheed Martin’s desire to enhance its partnership with Morocco by expanding cooperation in defense manufacturing, supply, and technology transfer. Joseph Rank, Lockheed Martin’s CEO for Africa, stated that the company’s relationship with Morocco reflects a commitment to innovation, security, and economic advancement, adding that collaboration with Moroccan companies aims to develop local expertise and elevate national capabilities in defense industries.
A delegation from the company recently visited Casablanca, where it conducted field meetings with several local industrial firms, including TDM Maroc, SABCA Maroc, Collins Aerospace RFM, and Exxelia Maroc. This is part of efforts to integrate local suppliers into the international supply chain for aircraft manufacturing. This step is viewed as part of a broader strategy adopted by the Moroccan Kingdom to bolster its industrial and defense independence, supported by Law No. 10-20 concerning the establishment of a national defense industry base.
The partnership between Morocco and Lockheed Martin dates back to 1974 when the Royal Moroccan Armed Forces acquired their first C-130H Hercules aircraft. The partnership later expanded to include F-16 aircraft and Sikorsky helicopters, as well as air and missile defense systems. In recent years, there has been a clear trend towards localizing a portion of these industries, including the establishment of an aircraft maintenance and upgrade center in Ben Slimane and participation in the development of local production capabilities.
Morocco’s inclusion in the F-16 manufacturing program is a U.S. recognition of the progress the Kingdom has made in building an industrial base with advanced technological capabilities and its growing strategic role in security and defense on both regional and international levels.
