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Morocco's military fleet modernization: Airbus, Embraer, and Lockheed Martin vie for contracts

Monday 31 March 2025 - 16:50

Three global aerospace companies—Airbus, Embraer, and Lockheed Martin—are competing to supply the Royal Moroccan Air Force with new aircraft aimed at modernizing its military transport fleet.

Airbus has put forth its A400 aircraft, renowned for their substantial size and long-range capabilities, capable of flying up to 9,000 kilometers while carrying a payload of 10 tons. Additionally, these aircraft can transport up to 37 tons of military equipment over a distance of 3,000 kilometers.

Meanwhile, American firm Lockheed Martin promotes the C-130J-30, an enhanced version of the classic C-130. This aircraft features a redesigned fuselage to increase its payload capacity and range, which now extends to 4,000 kilometers. Known for its durability and versatility in military transport missions, the C-130J-30 can land on challenging terrains, including desert areas and unpaved runways.

At the International Aerospace Salon in Marrakech last October, Brazilian company Embraer showcased an offer perceived as more appealing. In addition to signing a memorandum of understanding with Morocco for a $1 billion investment in the country's aerospace industry, Embraer proposed its C-390M tactical military transport aircraft to the Royal Moroccan Air Force. The company's executive director expressed hopes for securing a contract with Moroccan forces during the salon. The C-390M has undergone intensive testing in Moroccan skies in recent weeks. It combines the long-range capabilities of the A400, with over 6,000 kilometers of autonomy, and the payload capacity of the C-130J-30, able to transport up to 25 tons of various military equipment.

There is also the possibility of jointly acquiring the C-390M and C-130J-30, especially since Lockheed Martin has highlighted the historical significance of this model within the Moroccan fleet, which could facilitate its acceptance by the kingdom's pilots.

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