French Defense and Energy Firms Eye Major Contracts as Morocco-France Relations Thaw

French industrialists, including those in the armaments and energy sectors, are knocking on the doors of the Moroccan state. "Two files are in serious discussions (helicopters and submarines), one of which is at the top of the pile (helicopters)," reveals La Tribune, stating that Airbus Helicopters and Morocco "are negotiating a significant order of Caracal, the number of which could reach up to 18 aircraft (12 for the air force and 6 for the gendarmerie)." This is a contract estimated between 600 and 800 million euros, "which would provide work both in Marignane and in Bordes for the engine manufacturer Safran Helicopter Engines (SHE)."

Airbus is also negotiating with Royal Air Maroc (RAM) the sale of A220, A320 and A330 aircraft, in order to renew part of the airline’s fleet, which has been exclusively Boeing so far, with the exception of a few Embraer Embraer 190 and the European manufacturer ATR, owned 50-50 by Airbus and Leonardo (ATR 72-600). RAM’s ambition is to expand its fleet of aircraft with nearly 200 new planes in order to support the implementation of the strategic roadmap for the development of the tourism sector for the 2023-2026 period.

However, some French industrialists are facing very strong competition. This is the case of Naval Group. The French industrial group specializing in naval defense construction is facing very strong competition from the South Korean shipyards Hanwha and Hyundaï in Morocco for the sale of two submarines and the construction of a submarine base. Its fierce rivals are offering submarines that are less expensive, but equipped with the same technology that Naval Group has developed with Saft (lithium-ion batteries). The order by Morocco of the submarines should take place in 2025.