Morocco broke ground on a new maintenance hangar at Benslimane Airport to service the Royal Moroccan Air Force’s (RMAF) growing fleet of fighter jets and transport planes.
The project, scheduled to be operational in 2026, is part of Morocco’s increasing investment in the aviation sector.
The facility is a joint project between MEDZ, Morocco an infrastructure development subsidiary of the national investment fund; the U.S. aerospace company Lockheed Martin; and Maintenance Aero Maroc, a subsidiary of the Belgian maintenance, repair and operations company Sabena Engineering.
Once complete, the 8,000-square-meter center will be a regional hub for servicing the RMAF’s F-16 Fighting Falcon and the C-130 Hercules.
“This collaboration goes beyond building industrial capabilities. It creates highly qualified jobs, stimulates industrial growth in Morocco and strengthens the ties between our nations,” Ray Piselli, vice president of international affairs at Lockheed Martin, said during the groundbreaking ceremony.
In 2019, Morocco signed a deal with Lockheed Martin for 25 new F-16 Block 72 fighters plus an upgrade package for its existing fleet. The next year, it ordered 24 Apache helicopters to provide close air support and precision strike capabilities. The RMAF also has ordered 10 Airbus H225M twin-engine heavy helicopters.
The country is rumored to be eyeing acquisition of the F-35, a fifth-generation fighter jet with stealth technology and advanced avionics that would catapult the kingdom into a small circle of elite air powers.
Analysts say Morocco is moving quickly to acquire new aircraft and maintenance capabilities but is also working to boost its domestic capacity.
“This dual approach — combining new acquisitions with domestic industrial capacity — [is] a sign of Morocco’s intent to move beyond mere procurement toward defense self-sufficiency,” the Morocco Post news website reported. “The Benslimane center, once operational, will also serve as a training hub for Moroccan engineers and technicians, reinforcing the country’s growing aerospace ambitions.”
The maintenance hangar announcement comes after other efforts by Morocco to modernize its fleet. In July, the RMAF signed a contract with U.S.-based L3Harris Technologies to modernize its C-130 Hercules fleet. The program, signed with the Ministry Delegate for National Defense Administration, includes avionics systems upgrades, heavy maintenance and complete engine overhauls.
Morocco also has made strides in cementing Air Force partnerships and demonstrating interoperability. During Exercise African Lion, RMAF F-16s performed air-to-air refueling drills with U.S. KC-135 Stratotankers. The RMAF also flew its C-130 Hercules alongside U.S. C-130J Super Hercules in simulated aeromedical evacuation and tactical airlift missions.
“Morocco’s ongoing military modernization underscores its determination to adapt to new strategic realities — combining advanced technology, international partnerships, and domestic capability-building in pursuit of lasting security and stability,” Morocco Post reported.