Badr Tadlaoui
|
2.58pm – November 27, 2024
Airbus Helicopters is actively continuing its negotiations with the Moroccan authorities for the sale of around ten H225M Caracal helicopters with an option for other units, according to information from The Tribune. This model, capable of transporting up to eleven tonnes, could strengthen the capabilities of the royal Moroccan armed forces in the years to come, it was promised.
Despite Emmanuel Macron’s state visit to Morocco from October 28 to 30, no official announcement regarding this contract has been made. The presence of Bruno Even, CEO of Airbus Helicopters, in the French delegation at the last minute did not make it possible to finalize the discussions, neither during this visit, nor during the Marrakech Air Show (October 30-2 november).
Discussions between Airbus Helicopters and Morocco currently focus on aircraft configuration, commercial conditions and prices, indicates The Tribune. The manufacturer hopes to conclude these negotiations by 2025. At the same time, Airbus Helicopters aims to create a maintenance, repair and operations (MRO) hub in Morocco. This center, which would be a first in the region, could serve the whole of West Africa, thus consolidating the kingdom’s position as a strategic player in the aeronautical industry in Africa.
The completion of this order would represent a breath of fresh air for Airbus Helicopters and its Marignane site, where the H225M is manufactured. According to The Tribunethis contract could fill a production gap identified on the channel dedicated to this device. After recent orders from Iraq (14 aircraft), the Netherlands (12) and the Japanese coast guard (3), a Moroccan order would help maintain activity while awaiting the start, in 2029, of deliveries of the 38 H225s ordered by the German Bundespolizei.
The MRO hub project in Morocco demonstrates Airbus Helicopters’ commitment to investing in sustainable infrastructure in Africa. This center could also attract an ecosystem of local suppliers, strengthening Moroccan expertise in aeronautics. The outcome of these negotiations is eagerly awaited, both by Airbus Helicopters and by Morocco, which seeks to strengthen its military capabilities while asserting its role as a regional industrial platform.
Morocco
