Hiring Military Assets for Filming in Morocco
Hiring military assets for filming in Morocco from the Royal Armed Forces (FAR), Royal Air Force, and Royal Navy is a well-established process in Morocco, but it requires strict adherence to governmental protocols. Because these are state assets, you cannot rent them through a traditional private rental company.
1. The Prerequisite: The CCM Film Permit
Before any military department will entertain a request, you must have an approved CCM (Centre Cinématographique Marocain) Shooting Permit. This permit acts as the “master key” for all subsequent government authorisations and indicates to the military that the project has been vetted by the state.
2. The Step-by-Step Request Process
| Stage | Action | Details |
| I. Script Breakdown | Identify Needs | Your production team must list every specific military asset needed: tank models, helicopter types, number of uniformed extras, and types of weaponry (real or replica). |
| II. Official Petition | Submit to CCM | You submit a formal request to the CCM, which then acts as the intermediary to the Ministry of Delegated National Defense. |
| III. Detailed Dossier | Technical Specs | You must provide GPS coordinates of the shoot, a day-by-day schedule, and a signed insurance policy specifically covering military equipment and personnel. |
| IV. Security Meeting | Coordination | A meeting is often held between your production manager and military liaisons to discuss safety protocols, specialised pilots/drivers, and logistics. |
| V. Final Approval | Payment of Fees | Once the Ministry of Defense approves, a specialised contract is signed. Fees are usually paid directly into a state-managed account. |
3. Available Military Assets
Morocco provides a wide range of assets that are rarely accessible in other filming hubs:
- Aviation: Aérospatiale SA 342 Gazelle (scout helicopters—like the one in our reference photo), SA 330 Puma(transport), and potentially C-130 Hercules for cargo or interior shots.
- Ground Forces: Large fleets of Humvees, M60 Patton tanks, transport trucks, and desert-ready technicals.
- Personnel: Specialised military personnel are often hired as extras to ensure authentic movement, tactical realism, and the safe operation of heavy machinery.
- Weaponry: Access to decommissioned or blank-firing military-grade firearms and pyrotechnic support from military ordnance experts.
4. Cost and Logistics Considerations
- Competitive Tariffs: While not free, the Moroccan government often provides these assets at competitive rates to encourage major international productions (e.g., Black Hawk Down).
- Fuel and Maintenance: Production is typically responsible for all fuel costs, transport of the assets to the location (low-loaders), and per diems for the assigned military crew.
- Lead Times: You should allow a minimum of 4 to 6 weeks for military approvals. Requests for the Air Force usually take longer than ground vehicle requests due to flight path authorisations and coordination with the DGAC(Civil Aviation).
As the trusted Moroccan partner, Maroc Film Services serves is the vital bridge for these high-level requests. We provide the professional rigor required by global studios while managing the specific local bureaucracy. We are uniquely positioned to handle the financial transparency and bank guarantees required for these large-scale state contracts.
As a principal partner, Maroc Film Services, is your essential liaison, as these requests must be channelled through a licensed Moroccan production company. Maroc Film Services operates as a strategic joint venture with a fully licensed Moroccan production company and registered CCM partner, providing the essential legal accreditation to secure national permits, manage the 30% cash rebate, and provide a comprehensive, end-to-end solution for all your production requirements in Morocco.