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Rabat — Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P), Maghreb Steel, and France’s Naval Group signed a preliminary cooperation agreement in Rabat last week, to bolster Morocco’s industrial sovereignty and defense capabilities.
The partnership, signed on July 9, lays the groundwork for joint research and innovation projects in maritime technologies — spanning both civilian and military applications — and aligns with Morocco’s Royal Atlantic Initiative aimed at developing the country’s strategic industries.
At the heart of the agreement are three priorities: advancing applied research, enhancing industrial skills, and creating a technological foundation for shipbuilding.
Research and development activities will take place primarily at UM6P’s Benguerir campus, integrating the expertise of Naval Group and the industrial know-how of Maghreb Steel.
The collaboration targets key areas such as advanced materials, innovative manufacturing techniques, and specialized maritime solutions — seen as critical to supporting Morocco’s growing ambitions in the defense and shipbuilding sectors.
The agreement was also endorsed by France’s Directorate General of Armaments (DGA), with its director, Emmanuel Chiva, present at the signing ceremony. During his visit, Chiva announced the creation of a Moroccan-French Joint Armament Committee, tasked with steering and overseeing the projects under this agreement.
The committee is expected to play a vital role in coordinating strategic priorities, promoting technology transfer, and fostering co-innovation in sensitive areas like defense, energy, and manufacturing.
A step toward industrial sovereignty
The agreement reflects Morocco’s broader vision of establishing an industrial and technological defense base (BITD) that reduces reliance on imports and strengthens local capabilities.
Following the signing, Morocco’s Minister Delegate for National Defense Administration, Abdellatif Loudyi, hosted a high-level meeting with the French delegation. Senior Moroccan military and security officials also attended the discussions, during which they endorsed the proposal to create the joint armament committee.
This institutional mechanism is seen as a key tool to advance Morocco’s sovereign ambitions in defense, ensuring the training of Moroccan engineers, fostering local innovation, and supporting the country’s resilience in the face of global geopolitical challenges.
Beyond its technical and industrial dimensions, the agreement exemplifies the deepening political and strategic relationship between Morocco and France. Both countries have expressed their commitment to building a strong bilateral partnership that can address emerging challenges and opportunities in defense and advanced industries.
By investing in homegrown innovation and leveraging international expertise, Morocco is taking concrete steps to assert its sovereignty, strengthen its industrial base, and prepare for the demands of a rapidly changing global landscape.
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