Italian Leonardo targets Morocco as competition grows for North African defense contracts

Italian defense manufacturer Leonardo S.p.A. is seeking to strengthen its presence in Morocco’s defense market as competition intensifies among U.S., French and Israeli military suppliers, according to industry reports.

Representatives of the company, which specializes in fighter aircraft, helicopters, military electronics and surveillance systems, have recently increased contacts with Morocco’s Royal Armed Forces in an effort to promote a new aviation program, the reports said.

The move comes as Italy faces challenges in matching the level of political alignment Morocco has built with partners such as the United States, France and Spain, where defense cooperation is often reinforced by strong diplomatic backing.

Analysts say government-to-government relations remain a key factor in securing military contracts, particularly in strategic sectors such as air force modernization. Without strong diplomatic support, manufacturers often struggle to compete effectively.

Leonardo, in which the Italian government holds a significant stake through the Ministry of Economy and Finance, has previously sought a larger role in equipping Morocco’s air force but lost several tenders to rival offers considered more comprehensive in terms of industrial cooperation and technology transfer.

The company is now attempting to reverse that trend by proposing platforms suited to Morocco’s fleet modernization plans.

Morocco remains one of Africa’s largest military spenders and has launched a broad modernization program covering fighter jets, drones, air defense systems and border surveillance. U.S. companies such as Lockheed Martin and Boeingdominate combat aviation, while France, Israel and Turkey have strengthened their positions in artillery systems, unmanned aerial vehicles and defense electronics.

Leonardo’s portfolio includes the M-346 advanced jet trainer, used by several armed forces worldwide, as well as the AW139 and AW149 helicopter platforms, which have gained traction in North Africa and the Middle East. The group also produces radar systems, tactical communications equipment and naval systems, sectors where Morocco has growing procurement needs.

Industry observers note that Morocco’s military purchasing decisions increasingly depend on broader strategic considerations beyond equipment performance, including diplomatic positions on the Western Sahara issue, the quality of security cooperation and the potential to support local industrial development.

Leonardo has reportedly adjusted its approach by emphasizing industrial partnerships, local maintenance capabilities and long-term financing, elements that have become central to major defense agreements.

Securing a contract with Morocco’s air force would provide the Italian manufacturer with an important foothold in a growing African defense market. Failure to do so could further weaken its influence in the Maghreb in favor of competitors more closely aligned with Rabat’s strategic priorities.

According to figures published on its official website, Leonardo generated 19.5 billion euros ($22.1 billion) in revenue last year, with new orders worth 23.8 billion euros and 3 billion euros invested in research and development.

Under its 2026–2030 industrial plan, the company aims to strengthen its global defense position through new products and partnerships, while responding to expectations of rising global security spending projected to exceed $1 trillion.