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Photo by: U.S. Air National Guard photo by Senior Airman Bill Guilliam 

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U.S. Air Force aircraft arrived at the Marrakech Airshow 2024 (MAS), Tuesday, Oct. 29.

The trade show features static and aerial displays of military and civilian aircraft and is an opportunity for international aerospace industry representatives to showcase their capabilities at the Marrakech Royal Moroccan Air Force Base from Oct. 30 to Nov. 2, 2024. The air show is also an opportunity for high level military officials to meet with their Moroccan Royal Armed Forces counterparts and the Ministry of Industry and Trade.

This year, the United States is participating with several aircraft platforms including a C-130J Super Hercules from Ramstein Air Base, Germany, and a Utah Air National Guard KC-135 Stratotanker. U.S. Air Force participation in this international exhibition is intended to strengthen U.S. and international security assistance efforts as well as U.S. strategic partnerships with African countries.

"We are glad to be back in Morocco,” said Brig. Gen. Ricky Mills, Assistant Deputy Under Secretary 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.”

Also attending is U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Shawn Holtz, Deputy Director of Strategy, Engagement and Programs for U.S. Africa Command.

“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 Holtz. “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 are taking part in bilateral discussions with senior leaders from the Royal Armed Forces and other African military leaders.

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

“Congratulations to Morocco on the success of this world-class event!” said Ambassador 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.

The Utah National Guard has also held an active partnership with Morocco since 2003 through the State Partnership Program, fostering strong, trust-based relationship focused on security cooperation. Through joint training and humanitarian missions, both forces exchange knowledge, refine tactics, and enhance operational capabilities.

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