The United States has listed Morocco among the countries participating in the manufacturing program for the new-generation F-16 fighter jets, according to an official document released by the U.S. Federal Register. The move comes in line with Lockheed Martin’s intention to deepen its industrial and defense partnership with the Kingdom.
The initiative was outlined in a U.S. government certification issued under Sections 36(c) and 36(d) of the Arms Export Control Act. The document, dated April 29, confirms Washington’s readiness to approve the export of defense articles—including technical data and related services—worth over $50 million to several countries, including Morocco, in support of manufacturing components and equipment related to combat aircraft.
Morocco is listed alongside key international partners such as South Korea, the United Arab Emirates, and Italy in this initiative, which involves the transfer of defense technologies, knowledge-sharing, and technical cooperation, while taking into account political, military, and human rights considerations, according to the U.S. declaration.
This development coincides with Lockheed Martin’s recent announcement to expand its industrial cooperation with Morocco under its “Global Industrial Strategy to Integrate Local Suppliers into the International Supply Chain.”
A high-level delegation from Lockheed Martin, led by Joseph Rank, the company’s CEO for Africa, recently visited Morocco. The delegation held field meetings with several industrial firms in Casablanca, including TDM Maroc, SABCA Maroc, Collins Aerospace RFM, and Exxelia Maroc, with the aim of bolstering Morocco’s local defense manufacturing capabilities.
“Our enduring relationship with Morocco reflects a shared commitment to innovation, security, and economic advancement,” Rank said in an official statement obtained by Assahifa. He added that the company is committed to expanding local expertise and strengthening Morocco’s defense capacities through long-term collaboration.
Morocco’s partnership with Lockheed Martin dates back to 1974, when the Royal Moroccan Armed Forces received its first C-130H Hercules aircraft. The cooperation has since grown to include the acquisition of F-16 fighter jets, Sikorsky helicopters, radar systems, and integrated air and missile defense systems.
Through Law 10-20, which outlines the framework for establishing a national defense industry base, Morocco aims to enhance its capabilities in this strategic sector and achieve a degree of self-sufficiency in advanced military production, supported by international partners.
Morocco’s inclusion in the advanced U.S. fighter jet program marks a tangible recognition of the Kingdom’s rising role in defense industries. It also reflects its progress in industrial infrastructure and technology transfer. The move is expected to open new opportunities for Morocco in F-16 maintenance, assembly, and local manufacturing—enhancing the country’s strategic footprint in North Africa and the Euro-Mediterranean region.
