On November 8, 2026, Morocco marked a significant milestone in its military aviation capabilities as Maintenance Aero Maroc (MAM) announced the completion of the overhaul of a C-130H Hercules military transport aircraft, designated CN-AOO. This extensive project, which took 17 months to finalize at the Benslimane Air Base, faced delays primarily due to supply chain challenges exacerbated by the Covid-19 pandemic. The successful completion of this overhaul represents a crucial step towards enhancing the operational readiness and efficiency of the Royal Moroccan Air Force (RMAF).
Currently, MAM is also working on a second Hercules aircraft and is actively seeking to reduce the turnaround time for maintenance procedures. The company’s long-term objective is to expand its maintenance capabilities across the entire Moroccan fleet, which requires significant interventions on both the structural and equipment levels of the aircraft.
New Maintenance Hangar Expected in February 2027
Plans for a new maintenance facility at Benslimane are progressing, with the hangar now expected to be operational by February 2027, as reported by EDR Magazine. Initially slated for completion in the second half of 2026, this new facility will span over 8,000 square meters, allowing for the simultaneous maintenance of multiple C-130 aircraft. This project is a collaborative effort involving Belgian specialist Sabena Engineering, American aerospace giant Lockheed Martin, and MEDZ, a subsidiary of the CDG Group. Furthermore, there are plans to use this new center to maintain Morocco's F-16 fighter jets starting from late 2027 or 2028.
In tandem with local efforts, the Royal Moroccan Air Force is concurrently pursuing a modernization program for its C-130H fleet in the United States. Three C-130 aircraft are currently undergoing upgrades at L3Harris facilities in Waco, Texas. This contract encompasses a total of eleven aircraft out of a fleet of fifteen, with the first aircraft expected to return to Morocco by late 2027, and the overall program projected to conclude by 2029.
Once the new center is operational, MAM plans to extend its services to other African air forces utilizing Hercules aircraft, further solidifying Morocco's position as a leader in aerospace maintenance within the region. Lockheed Martin continues to promote its C-130J Super Hercules to Morocco, as the nation invests heavily in the modernization and maintenance of its aging fleet.
As reported by bladi.net.
