Morocco Eyes Naval Expo, Challenging Spain's Defense Fair Business

Morocco is considering taking its flagship defense showcase to the sea, a move that could put it in direct competition with Spain for a lucrative slice of the global arms-fair business. The plan would extend the Marrakech Airshow to the coast with displays of ships, naval systems and military technology, according to industry sources cited this week by the outlet Escudo Digital.

The locations under study are Alcazarseguir, near Tangier and the Strait of Gibraltar, and Casablanca. The project could draw on US and Israeli technology, both key partners of Rabat. There is no official confirmation, and the scope, timing and venue remain undefined.

A showcase that already works

Morocco starts from a solid base. The eighth Marrakech Airshow, held on 7-10 October 2026, brought together nearly 200 exhibitors from 27 countries and more than 60 official delegations. Participants included Lockheed Martin, Boeing, Airbus, Safran, Thales, Israel Aerospace Industries and Elbit Systems. Morocco's Industry Ministry says the event produced 26 strategic agreements.

Behind the fair lies a broader strategy. Rabat is building a domestic defense industry through technology transfers, foreign investment and local production, including aircraft maintenance, components and drones. SIPRI data for 2021-2025 shows the United States supplied about 60% of Morocco's major arms imports, Israel 24% and France 10%.

Spain's gap at sea

Spain's main event, FEINDEF, is preparing a record edition at IFEMA in Madrid on 18-20 May 2027: 89,100 square meters, 46% more than in 2025, over 746 contracted exhibitors and 94% of sellable space booked. Its limitation is geography, since demonstrations with ships, amphibious operations or shipborne aircraft need maritime facilities.

Spanish industry has been studying an aero-naval show that would use Navantia and Airbus facilities and the Rota naval base. Per the same sources, it would feature warships, helicopters, drones and amphibious operations in the Bay of Cádiz, possibly in even-numbered years to alternate with FEINDEF. Names such as Rota Naval & Air Show have been floated, but the idea is still conceptual, with no confirmed date.

If Morocco moves first, the Strait could become a new arena of competition for manufacturers, delegations and the investment that follows them.