Israel announced Thursday that it is participating for the first time in a defense exhibition in Morocco, establishing its inaugural national pavilion at the Marrakesh Air Show 2026. According to a statement from Israel’s Ministry of Defence, this move represents the country’s first official presence at the event since the signing of the Abraham Accords.
Eight Israeli defense firms showcased advanced, combat-tested technologies at the show, which runs through Saturday. The event is hosted biennially at the Marrakech Royal Moroccan Air Force Base and serves as a platform for both civil and military aeronautics and space industries to display their latest innovations.
Among the exhibitors were Israel’s three leading defense corporations—Elbit Systems, Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), and Rafael. The ministry noted that these companies presented solutions spanning air, land, sea, space, intelligence, cyber, and digital domains.
The participation highlights the growing bilateral ties between Israel and the North African nation since diplomatic relations were established in 2020 under the US-backed Abraham Accords. Last month, the two nations agreed to upgrade their diplomatic missions to embassies and appoint ambassadors, a decision reached during a meeting between their foreign ministers hosted by US Ambassador to the UN Mike Waltz in New York.
Additionally, the agreements included plans to expand air travel by reinstating direct flights operated by carriers from both countries and confirmed intentions for high-level bilateral visits in the coming months. Morocco also recently pledged to contribute troops to Gaza as part of the International Stabilization Force, a US-backed initiative associated with President Donald Trump’s Board of Peace.
Interesting how military exhibitions are becoming diplomatic tools here. I wonder what kind of deals actually come out of this pavilion?
A significant milestone for defense diplomacy. Elbit and Rafael’s presence signals deepening tech ties between Israel and Morocco.