This article is based on official announcements and press releases from La Belgique au Maroc and public data.

Morocco and Sabena Engineering Forge Strategic Defense Partnership with New Benslimane Facility

In a significant move toward industrial defense sovereignty, the Kingdom of Morocco has officially launched the construction of a major military aircraft maintenance center in Benslimane. Known as Maintenance Aero Maroc (MAM), the project is a joint venture bringing together the Belgian aerospace firm Sabena Engineering (part of Orizio Group), American defense giant Lockheed Martin, and the Moroccan state-owned MEDZ.

The new facility, situated approximately 50 kilometers from Casablanca, represents a pivotal shift in Morocco’s defense strategy. By establishing domestic capabilities for heavy maintenance and modernization, the country aims to reduce its reliance on foreign MRO (Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul) services while positioning itself as a regional hub for military aviation support.

A State-of-the-Art Maintenance Hub

According to official project details, the Maintenance Aero Maroc center will span approximately 9,000 square meters within a dedicated aerospace industrial zone at Benslimane Airport. Construction officially commenced with a groundbreaking ceremony in October 2025, and the facility is scheduled to become fully operational in the second half of 2026.

The site is designed to handle the Royal Moroccan Air Force’s (RMAF) most critical assets. Specifically, the center will provide comprehensive maintenance, repair, and modernization services for the Lockheed Martin F-16 Fighting Falcon and the C-130 Hercules transport aircraft. Official statements indicate that the facility is built with modularity in mind, allowing for future expansion to service additional platforms, including helicopters.

Economic Impact and Workforce Development

Beyond its military utility, the project is a significant economic driver. While initial announcements highlighted the creation of over 100 skilled jobs, broader project targets aim for 300 highly skilled positions for engineers and technicians. To support this workforce, the partnership includes a strong emphasis on vocational training to ensure local staff meet the rigorous OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) standards required by Lockheed Martin.

Strategic Voices on the Partnership

The collaboration highlights the deepening ties between Morocco, Belgium, and the United States. Executives from the partner companies have emphasized that MAM is more than just infrastructure; it is a geopolitical and industrial milestone.

Stéphane Burton, CEO of Sabena Engineering, described the facility’s regional ambition in a statement:

“This project represents a strategic partnership for Sabena Engineering. It will become a center capable of serving other countries in the Mediterranean region. This facility is not just infrastructure, but a symbol of shared ambition and mutual trust between committed partners.”

Similarly, Ray Piselli, Vice President of International Business at Lockheed Martin, highlighted the long-term benefits of the joint venture:

“This collaboration goes beyond industrial capacity building. It creates skilled employment, supports Morocco’s industrial growth, and reinforces our partnership with Orizio Group, demonstrating that genuine cooperation delivers lasting security and shared prosperity.”

AirPro News Analysis

The establishment of Maintenance Aero Maroc signals a mature phase in Morocco’s defense industrial strategy. Historically a purchaser of defense equipment, Morocco is leveraging Law 10-20, which established the framework for domestic defense manufacturing, to become a sustainer and modernizer of its own fleet.

We observe that this move serves a dual purpose. Domestically, it ensures higher operational readiness for the RMAF by localizing critical maintenance cycles. Regionally, it positions Morocco as a potential exporter of MRO services to African and Mediterranean allies operating similar US-made platforms. With the backing of Lockheed Martin, the facility gains immediate credibility, potentially drawing business from other F-16 and C-130 operators in the region who seek alternatives to servicing aircraft in the US or Europe.

Frequently Asked Questions

When will the facility open?
Construction began in October 2025, and the center is expected to be fully operational by the second half of 2026.

What aircraft will be serviced there?
The primary focus is on the Lockheed Martin F-16 and C-130 Hercules, with potential future expansion into helicopters and other platforms.

Who are the partners involved?
The project is a partnership between the Moroccan State (via MEDZ), Sabena Engineering (Belgium), and Lockheed Martin (USA).

Sources

• BelgiqueMaroc (Social Media Summary)
• Sabena Engineering Official Announcements
• Lockheed Martin