Israel opens first-ever pavilion at Morocco defence show

What the report says

Israel’s Defence Ministry said it took part in Morocco’s Marrakech Air Show 2026 for the first time, opening Israel’s first national pavilion at the defence exhibition in Marrakesh. The event, held at the Marrakech Royal Moroccan Air Force Base from October 7 to 10, brings together civil and military aeronautics and space industries. According to the ministry, eight Israeli defence companies attended, including major firms Elbit Systems, Israel Aerospace Industries and Rafael.

Al Jazeera reported that the Israeli display featured technologies described by the ministry as “combat-proven” and spanning air, land, sea, space, intelligence, cyber and digital fields. The participation is being presented by Israel as its first official appearance in a Moroccan defence exhibition since the countries normalized relations under the US-backed Abraham Accords in 2020.

The appearance comes amid broader warming ties between Morocco and Israel. Last month, the two sides agreed to upgrade diplomatic relations, including plans to raise their missions to embassies, appoint ambassadors, expand air travel and organize further high-level visits, according to the report. The development is notable because it places Israeli defence firms in a prominent regional trade setting in North Africa, reflecting how the bilateral relationship has broadened beyond diplomacy into security and industrial cooperation.