The Moroccan locust is a particularly virulent pest and the huge swarms periodically cause devastation to crops across the region. Here we have a Hercules demonstrating the spraying technique employed as one of the measures to combat this menace, using a special rig in the cargo bay

From the Escadron de Chasse "Atlas" at Sidi Slimane, this is one of 27 remaining Moroccan Mirages undergoing major update work under the French Astrac programme, involving avionics, airframe, engine and weaponry upgrades. Commencing in 2010, two per month were due to be completed, bringing these 30-year old aircraft right up to date. This is in addition to the 24 Block 50/52 F-16C/Ds received after a June 2008 order

No stranger to Morocco as previously operated by Jet4You as CN-RPG

A view of CNA-OC as she pulls away after her MAFFS drop during the short flying show at AeroExpo. Based at Kénitra AB, a former US Navy station on the coast north-east of Casablanca, the Moroccan AF took delivery of a total of 19 C-130Hs from 1974 onwards, ending with two tankers in 1981. The MAFFS (Modular Airborne FireFighting System) units were acquired in 2002

Displayed at the second Aeroexpo Marrakech in medevac configuration, this rather ungainly-looking helicopter is one of three delivered in 2002 and operated by the Moroccan Navy's 11F on maritime duties from Casablanca's main airport. Equipped to the same standard as French Navy Panthers, they also have radar and forward-looking infra-red pods for surface surveillance. 'Marine Royale' titles are worn on the other side. In the red hats behind are some student airmen

From the Escadre Hélico at Rabat-Salé and displayed in the medevac role. Of an original fleet numbering 34, 25 are said to be undergoing upgrade in Romania, which builds its own licenced version of the Puma (the IAR 330)

Not too many places you can get to see a sight like this. One of the two Moroccan tanker Hercules hooked up to a pair of F-5F two-seaters (91942 & 91943) from Meknes

A major target for me after Google Earth checks; tantalisingly within view of the show area but off limits (determination paid off). Morocco received 18 Flying Boxcars from the US in the 1960s, some being ex-RCAF C-119Gs. This '862' is from its former USAF serial, 53-7862. Colours a bit suspect (note white-wall tyres!) but well done to the Moroccans for preserving her. Most in their service had USAF-style silver/white top colours. One other survives at Kenitra, possibly a third elsewhere.

One of two 157th FS F-16s at Aeroexpo. As the only wing in the USAF currently flying the Block 52 F-16, the 169th FW (McEntire ANGB, SC) was specially invited in view of the commonality to the 24 of this HTS-equipped variant now on order for Morocco. The flying demonstration will certainly have impressed the many African military dignitaries present

Very rarely photographed are the Moroccan agricultural & fisheries ministry Islanders. This example, one of 11, was delivered by PBN in 1993