What we know about the future heavy maintenance center for C-130 and F-16 aircraft in Benslimane

The center, to be operated by Maintenance Aéro Maroc (MAM), is the result of a public-private partnership.

According to information gathered by Médias24 from Maintenance Aéro Maroc (MAM), one of the key partners, the project is jointly supported by the Belgian company Sabena Engineering, the American defense giant Lockheed Martin, and the Moroccan developer MEDZ (CDG Group).

The infrastructure itself will be owned by Maroc Aeronautic Assets (MAA). At the helm of this new strategic entity, Amine Chafik has been confirmed as the CEO of Maintenance Aéro Maroc.

Heavy Maintenance Capacity for C-130 and F-16

Spanning 8,000 m², the center has been designed to meet highest standards of aircraft maintenance. Once operational, it will be able to accommodate, according to Maintenance Aéro Maroc (MAM), up to three C-130 transport aircraft simultaneously.

The facility is expected to support an annual schedule of two to four heavy maintenance visits (PDM - Programmed Depot Maintenance), depending on the extent of work required for each aircraft.

The site is also designed to accommodate multiple F-16 combat aircraft when necessary.

A Platform for F-16 Modernization

One of the most strategic aspects of this project is its ability to support the modernization of the Royal Air Force fleet.

Asked about the possibility of upgrading the Moroccan F-16 Block 52 to the Viper standard, Maintenance Aéro Maroc (MAM) confirmed that the facility was specifically designed for this purpose.

"Yes, the facility has been designed to accommodate future F-16 modernization programs, including upgrades to the Viper standard," the company explained, adding that these upgrades will be carried out in close coordination with the relevant national authorities.

The laying of this foundation stone marks the beginning of a project that goes far beyond the mere construction of a building. It embodies a vision aimed at providing Morocco with strategic autonomy in military aeronautical maintenance, while developing cutting-edge local expertise.

Indeed, the project is expected to create highly skilled jobs and drive sustainable industrial development.

The center is scheduled to be operational in the second half of 2026.