US B-52 Bombers and Moroccan F-16s Mark Launch of Morocco’s First JTAC Training Program During African Lion 26

AGADIR, Morocco – Two U.S. Air Force B-52H Stratofortress bombers, accompanied by four Royal Moroccan Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons, conducted a joint flyover above Cap Draa on April 23, marking the official start of Morocco’s first accredited Joint Terminal Attack Controller (JTAC) qualification course.

This aerial display formed part of African Lion 26, the largest annual military exercise organized by U.S. Africa Command. The drills, led by the U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF), are taking place from April 20 to May 8. The participation of these aircraft highlights the capacity of the United States and its allies to deploy effective airpower on a global scale.

U.S. Air Force bombers under Global Strike Command regularly carry out missions worldwide to maintain operational readiness and crew qualifications.

According to U.S. Air Force General Dagvin Anderson, head of U.S. Africa Command, the presence of these aircraft in Morocco, flying alongside Moroccan fighter jets, demonstrates a strong deterrent capability and reaffirms the United States’ commitment to maintaining regional stability.

U.S. Strategic Command bomber units frequently engage in joint operations with partner nations, showcasing the adaptability and reliability of U.S. forces in addressing evolving and complex security challenges.

The newly launched JTAC qualification program is designed to train Moroccan personnel to coordinate airstrikes, artillery fire, and naval gunfire from forward positions. These specialists play a critical role in authorizing strikes, ensuring precision, and reducing the risk of friendly fire or unintended damage.

During the exercise, U.S. Air Force JTACs from the 165th Air Support Operations Squadron and Detachment 1 of the 2nd ASOS trained alongside U.S. Marine Corps JTACs from the 3rd Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company. They worked together with military personnel from Canada, Hungary, and Morocco. Through both live and simulated scenarios, participants gained practical experience in close air support operations, while benefiting from the exchange of tactics and expertise.

This initiative represents a major step forward in strengthening Morocco’s joint fire capabilities and establishing a standardized JTAC framework compatible with international military operations.

Officials emphasized that the program sets the foundation for long-term development and deeper cooperation between allied forces.

The exercise also included combined live-fire drills, allowing U.S. units to refine their strategies alongside trusted partners. U.S. Marine Corps Major Michael Chevallier highlighted that such training fosters mutual learning and operational synergy between participating forces.

He noted that these joint exercises help validate military procedures and reinforce a shared commitment to high standards, strengthening collaboration between the U.S. Marines and the Royal Moroccan Armed Forces.

The integration of U.S. strategic bombers with Moroccan air assets, combined with the launch of the JTAC training program, enhances operational flexibility and contributes to deterrence efforts across the U.S. Africa Command’s area of responsibility.

About African Lion 26:

African Lion 26 is the largest annual exercise conducted by U.S. Africa Command, aimed at boosting collective security capabilities among the United States, African nations, and international partners. Hosted in Ghana, Morocco, Senegal, and Tunisia, the exercise brings together more than 5,600 military and civilian personnel from over 40 countries, focusing on innovation and cooperation to strengthen regional security.