US, Morocco Military Strengthen Partnerships in Marrakech

MARRAKECH, Morocco - The Utah Air National Guard was among U.S. Air Force aircraft and senior officials participating in the Marrakech Airshow 2024.

The trade show featured static and aerial displays of military and civilian aircraft. It enabled international aerospace industry representatives to showcase their capabilities at the Marrakech Royal Moroccan Air Force Base from Oct. 30 to Nov. 2.

This year, U.S. aircraft platforms included a C-130J Super Hercules from Ramstein Air Base, Germany, and a Utah Air National Guard KC-135 Stratotanker. The Utah National Guard and Morocco have been partners since 2003 through the Department of Defense National Guard Bureau State Partnership Program.

The Marrakech Airshow has been held every two years since 2008 but has been on hiatus since 2018 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

"We are glad to be back in Morocco," said Brig. Gen. Ricky Mills, assistant deputy undersecretary of the Air Force, International Affairs. "The interactions and exchanges we have with our partners at MAS 2024 allow us to learn from and leverage the strengths of other nations."

The air show also allows high-level military officials to meet with their Moroccan Royal Armed Forces counterparts and the Ministry of Industry and Trade.

"The United States and the Royal Armed Forces of Morocco share a longstanding partnership, with Morocco hosting AFRICOM's largest exercise, African Lion, and partnering with the Utah National Guard for more than 20 years," said U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Shawn Holtz, deputy director of strategy, engagement and programs for U.S. Africa Command. "The Marrakech Air Show is one more opportunity to strengthen our relationship, exchange ideas, promote trust and bolster security cooperation in the region."

The two generals participated in bilateral discussions with senior leaders from the Royal Armed Forces and other African military leaders.

U.S. Ambassador to Morocco Puneet Talwar also attended the air show.

"Congratulations to Morocco on the success of this world-class event!" said Talwar. "The United States has been a part of each Marrakech Air Show since its first edition, and we welcome the opportunity for U.S. companies to showcase the breadth of cutting-edge technology that exemplifies American innovation. Morocco's rapidly growing role as regional economic hub and investments in aerospace infrastructure make this an exciting time to grow our partnership."

The air show and discussions highlight the strategic partnership between the United States and Morocco, which is rooted in hundreds of years of shared interests in regional peace, security and prosperity and a longstanding commitment to continued cooperation. U.S. Air Force participation strengthens U.S. and international security assistance efforts and strategic partnerships with African countries.