Morocco Eyes Spain’s Defense Industry Spotlight With Naval Arms Fair Plans
In Madrid, Spanish defense companies are preparing a record-breaking trade fair. Across the Strait, Morocco is seeking to attract the same manufacturers and their investments. The industrial rivalry could now play out at sea as well.
Morocco wants to play a bigger role in the global arms industry, and the Spanish press sees it as an emerging competitor. According to Xataka, the stakes go well beyond displaying military equipment: major trade fairs provide opportunities to negotiate contracts, industrial sites and technology transfers.
In Spain, the FEINDEF trade fair is preparing a record-breaking edition in May 2027, with more than 746 exhibiting companies and 89 100 m² set aside, 46% more space. But Madrid does not allow demonstrations involving warships or military operations at sea.
On Bladi.net : Spain Eyes Naval Show Near Cádiz as Morocco Considers Expanding Air Show to the Coast
Spanish industry representatives are therefore considering a complementary event in the Bay of Cádiz, near Navantia’s shipyards, Airbus facilities and the Rota naval base. The project is, however, struggling to take shape.
Morocco seeks to attract arms manufacturers
Across the Strait, Rabat is considering a rival initiative. According to Escudo Digital, industry sources have raised the possibility of expanding the Marrakech Airshow to include the naval sector, with two possible locations: Ksar Sghir, near Tangier, and Casablanca.
The kingdom already has an international showcase. The Marrakech trade fair, held from October 7 to 10, brought together nearly 200 exhibitors from 27 countries, including several major American, European and Israeli manufacturers.
But Morocco’s ambitions go further. The Defense Industrial Zones Management Company is developing two platforms covering a total of 675 hectares in Nouaceur and Sidi Yahya, intended to host military equipment manufacturers.
This strategy is beginning to attract foreign companies. India’s MKU Group has announced plans to manufacture surveillance equipment and ballistic protection in Morocco. Rabat is also exploring military co-production projects with India.
On Bladi.net : Indian defense group MKU to manufacture surveillance and armor systems in Morocco
It is this competition for investment that is attracting attention in Spain. The billions cited relate to the global defense market. Morocco’s goal is now to capture a share of it by hosting manufacturers on its own territory.
