Italian defense giant Leonardo eyes Moroccan military contracts

Italy's Leonardo, a titan of the defense industry, is making a determined push to re-establish its presence in the Moroccan defense market. Facing intense competition from established American, French, and Israeli players, Leonardo is actively engaging with the Royal Moroccan Armed Forces, hoping to secure lucrative contracts for its advanced aviation systems.

This strategic move by Leonardo, in which the Italian government holds a significant stake, comes at a time when Rome is striving to deepen its political ties with Rabat, a relationship that has historically lagged behind those of Paris, Madrid, and Washington. The article highlights a crucial reality in defense procurement: strong governmental backing and diplomatic alignment are often prerequisites for sealing major deals, a lesson Leonardo has learned from past tender losses.

Morocco, a significant military spender in Africa, is undergoing a comprehensive re-equipment drive. While the U.S. dominates the combat aviation sector, European and other nations have carved out niches in areas like artillery systems, drones, and defense electronics. Leonardo believes it has competitive advantages with its M-346 trainer aircraft and AW139/AW149 helicopters, alongside its radar and communication systems, but the challenge lies in converting these technical strengths into confirmed orders.

The article underscores that European manufacturers recognize Morocco's evolving procurement criteria, which now extend beyond mere equipment performance. Diplomatic stances on the Western Sahara issue, the quality of security cooperation, and the potential for fostering a local industrial base are increasingly influential. In these crucial areas, Italy is perceived as trailing its more committed European partners. Leonardo appears to have grasped this, focusing its discussions with Moroccan decision-makers on industrial partnerships, local maintenance, and long-term financing – elements now indispensable for securing major defense contracts. A successful bid for a contract with the Royal Moroccan Air Force would provide Leonardo with a vital foothold in an expanding African market.