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The Minister Delegate in charge of the National Defence Administration, Abdellatif Loudiyi, is in Paris for Eurosatory, one of the world's leading defence and security exhibitions, being held from June 15 to 19. On the sidelines of the event, he held talks with France’s Minister for the Armed Forces and Veterans, Catherine Vautrin.
«Our discussions reaffirmed the strength of the Franco-Moroccan defence partnership and our shared ambition to deepen our capability and industrial cooperation, to the benefit of both our countries», Vautrin said following the meeting.
The talks come as France intensifies efforts to strengthen its position in Morocco’s defence market. In February, Africa Intelligence reported that French diplomats and defence industry representatives, supported by influential consultants, had stepped up engagement with Moroccan authorities to promote strategic solutions and long-term investment projects.
One of the most closely watched files is Morocco’s planned acquisition of its first submarine. France is promoting the Scorpène, a submarine renowned for its stealth capabilities and operational performance, and hopes to leverage its longstanding ties with Rabat to secure the contract. However, it faces competition from Spain and South Korea.
Morocco is seeking to expand its naval capabilities as part of a broader strategy to reinforce its role in security across the western Mediterranean and the Strait of Gibraltar, a region of major strategic importance for international trade and regional stability.
The visit also comes against the backdrop of growing defence-industrial cooperation between the two countries. In July 2025, France’s Directorate General of Armaments (DGA) launched an «armaments committee» aimed at strengthening industrial collaboration with Morocco, particularly in support of the kingdom’s defence industrial and technological base (BITD).
