Israel's Defense Ministry announced on October 8 that the country is taking part in a defense exhibition in Morocco for the first time, with its first national pavilion at the Marrakesh Air Show 2026. The event runs from October 7 to 10 at the Royal Moroccan Air Force base in Marrakesh.
According to the Israeli Defense Ministry's statement, this is the first time Israel has officially participated in a defense exhibition held in Morocco since the signing of the Abraham Accords. Eight Israeli defense companies showcased advanced technologies that have been combat-proven at the exhibition.
Three major Israeli defense groups — Elbit Systems, IAI and Rafael — also took part, presenting air, land, sea, space, intelligence, cybersecurity and digital solutions.
The Marrakesh Air Show is held every two years, giving the civilian and military aviation and space industries a venue to present their latest products.
Israel's opening of a national pavilion in Morocco is the latest sign of growing relations between the Arabic-speaking North African nation and Israel since the two countries established ties in 2020 under the U.S.-brokered Abraham Accords.
In September, Israel and Morocco agreed to upgrade diplomatic relations, including elevating their representative offices to embassies and appointing ambassadors in each country. The move followed a meeting between the two countries' foreign ministers, chaired by U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz on the sidelines of the U.N. General Assembly in New York.
The two sides also agreed to expand aviation activity, including restoring direct flights operated by airlines from both countries, and confirmed plans for high-level bilateral visits in the coming months.
Morocco is also one of five countries that have committed to sending troops to Gaza under the U.S.-backed International Stabilization Force (ISF), part of what is known as U.S. President Donald Trump's Board of Peace.
