US defence company Lockheed Martin is seeking to bring more Moroccan aerospace manufacturers into its global supply chain as the country expands its aviation and defence industries.
The company plans to hold an Industry Day in Marrakech on October 6. The event will connect Moroccan suppliers with Lockheed Martin and explore new manufacturing opportunities.
Business Insider Africa reported that the event will take place in partnership with Morocco’s Ministry of Industry and Trade. Yapıştırılan metin
Lockheed Martin targets Moroccan suppliers
Lockheed Martin wants Moroccan companies to take a larger role in its international manufacturing network.
“We have worked alongside Morocco for more than 50 years to support its defense requirements,” said Steve Sheehy, vice president of international business at Lockheed Martin Aeronautics.
“As that partnership grows, we want Moroccan companies to play a greater role in our global supply chain,” he added. Yapıştırılan metin
The company manufactures several military aircraft, including the F-35 Lightning II.
Its global F-35 programme involves more than 2,100 suppliers, according to the supplied report. Yapıştırılan metin
Morocco expands aerospace industry
Morocco has developed a significant aerospace manufacturing industry.
The sector includes almost 150 companies and generated around $2.6 billion in exports in 2024, according to US Department of Commerce figures cited in the report. Yapıştırılan metin
Lockheed Martin already works with manufacturers in the country.
Eaton-Souriau’s facility in Tangier has been part of the company’s global supply chain for almost two decades.
Lockheed Martin has also identified Ausare, part of France’s Mecachrome Group, as a potential industrial partner. Yapıştırılan metin
Aircraft maintenance cooperation grows
Cooperation also extends to aircraft maintenance.
In 2022, Lockheed Martin partnered with Sabena Engineering and Morocco’s MEDZ to develop Maintenance Aero Maroc.
The project includes an 8,000-square-metre facility in Benslimane.
It was established to maintain and modernise Morocco’s C-130 Hercules fleet. There are also plans to expand its work to F-16 aircraft. Yapıştırılan metin
The relationship between Morocco and Lockheed Martin dates back to 1974. That year, Morocco received its first C-130H Hercules aircraft from the company.
Morocco later received its first F-16 Block 52 aircraft in 2011. Yapıştırılan metin
Marrakech event could deepen manufacturing ties
Lockheed Martin will also participate in the 2026 Marrakech Airshow.
The company plans to display an F-35 cockpit demonstrator and models of the F-35A, F-16 and C-130J Super Hercules. Yapıştırılan metin
For Morocco, attracting more international manufacturing could help expand the country’s role in global aerospace supply chains.
The October 6 Industry Day will give Moroccan companies an opportunity to learn about Lockheed Martin’s qualification requirements and potential manufacturing opportunities.