More than 5,000 troops from around 40 countries take part in African Lion 2026, one of Africa’s largest military exercises. In accordance with the High Instructions of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, Supreme Commander and Chief of General Staff of the Royal Armed Forces (FAR), Moroccan and American forces are co-organizing the 22nd edition of the “African Lion” military exercise, which will run until May 8.
An opening ceremony was held on Monday at the headquarters of the Southern Zone Command in Agadir, officially marking the launch of this multinational joint exercise, in the presence of representatives from participating countries.
The ceremony was co-chaired by Major General Mohammed Benlouali, Chief of Staff of the Southern Zone, and Brigadier General Daniel Cederman, Deputy Commander of the U.S. Army Southern European Task Force for Africa (SETAF-AF). During the event, the overall concept and planned activities of this 22nd edition were presented.
Speaking on the occasion, Major General Mohammed Benlouali said the event represents a major strategic step in strengthening the constructive military partnership between the Royal Armed Forces and the U.S. Armed Forces, across all branches, as well as with forces from participating friendly and partner nations.
He added that the exercise aims to strengthen cooperation and integration in planning, improve operational readiness, and enhance performance. It also seeks to expand areas of cooperation and develop skills and expertise at different levels and in various specialties.
For his part, Brigadier General Daniel Cederman stressed that partnership is the foundation of “African Lion,” noting that this year’s objectives are clear: increasing readiness, strengthening interoperability, and improving the ability to carry out joint missions in complex environments. He added: “We are building forces capable of responding quickly and effectively to shared challenges.”
Over 5,000 troops mobilized in one of Africa’s largest military exercises
More than 5,000 troops from around 40 participating and observing countries are taking part alongside the Royal Armed Forces and the U.S. Armed Forces.
The exercise will take place in several locations including Benguerir, Agadir, Tan-Tan, Taroudant, Dakhla, and Tifnit. It includes tactical land, sea, and air drills conducted day and night, special forces exercises, airborne operations, and command-post training.
This year’s edition also expands into emerging fields such as space operations, electronic warfare, and cyberspace, with the integration of unmanned aerial systems in planning and operations.
It also includes training on countering weapons of mass destruction, as well as medical and humanitarian services provided to the population of the El-Faid region (Taroudant) through a military field hospital and other services in Dakhla.
As preparation, academic training sessions began on April 20 and will continue until April 30. These aim to prepare participants for command exercises and field maneuvers, helping them become familiar with the procedures used during planning and execution phases.
This initial “academics” phase includes 20 specialized modules focused on emerging technologies such as drones, cybersecurity, and satellite operations.
“African Lion 2026,” the largest exercise conducted in Africa, remains a key event for strengthening operational, technical, and procedural interoperability between participating armies, allowing military personnel to exchange experience and training methods in joint operations.
This 22nd edition highlights the continuity of military cooperation between the Royal Armed Forces and the U.S. Armed Forces, reflecting the strong and historic ties between the two countries.