A spokesperson for US Africa Command (AFRICOM) answered MT-24 Saa’s questions on the F-35 flyby at the Marrakech Air Show, the new training center in Tan-Tan, the 2027 African Lion exercises and security in the Sahel.
- Was the F-35 appearance at the Marrakech Air Show merely a demonstration of American military capabilities, or could it signal a possible future acquisition by Morocco?
The F-35 demonstration flight at the Marrakech Air Show featured four Moroccan F-16 fighter jets flying closely behind it. The display showcased military capabilities and demonstrated the level of interoperability that the United States and Morocco have achieved through their partnership, which spans nearly 250 years.
The United States and Morocco will continue working together to modernize their respective fleets and maintain cooperation in the future. We cannot discuss partner nations’ potential acquisition of F-35 fighter jets. We therefore recommend contacting the Department of War.
- Regarding the proposed Multidomain Training and Experimentation Center in Tan-Tan, what are the first concrete military projects planned, and when will operations begin?
Operations have already begun. The Royal Moroccan Armed Forces and AFRICOM signed a memorandum of understanding on July 13, 2026, to establish the Multidomain Training and Experimentation Center.
Less than three weeks later, on August 6, the first live-fire test was conducted at the multidomain training area.
In addition to the live-fire test, the first group of trainees graduated from the Drone Academy last month. This milestone laid the groundwork for future training programmes for planners and operators from the United States and partner African countries. The programmes aim to develop the next generation of unmanned aerial system capabilities.
- What are the main developments planned for the 2027 African Lion exercises, and what new military capabilities could Morocco gain through expanded defense cooperation with the United States?
Regarding specific details about new military capabilities for the Royal Moroccan Armed Forces and planned military acquisitions, this falls under the responsibility of the Royal Moroccan Armed Forces’ communications department. We refer you to that department for further information.
As for the United States, we are deeply involved in planning how the 2027 African Lion exercises can strengthen joint readiness and operational capabilities. This will include experimentation with emerging equipment and integrated demonstrations of defense industry capabilities.
As the historic partnership marks its 250th anniversary, the exercises will strengthen Morocco’s growing multilateral role as a pillar of regional security, capable of addressing complex threats across North Africa.
- Does AFRICOM intend to strengthen Morocco’s role in combating terrorism and instability in the Sahel?
Addressing persistent terrorist threats in the Sahel requires collective security solutions led by African countries. Morocco plays a vital strategic role as a pillar of stability within this framework.
AFRICOM continues to deepen its strategic partnership with the Royal Moroccan Armed Forces. This cooperation extends beyond joint exercises such as African Lion. It also includes improving interoperability, sharing information and building institutional partnerships designed to disrupt cross-border threats across the region.
- Does AFRICOM expect defense cooperation between Morocco and the United States to expand beyond the acquisition of conventional weapons and military equipment?
Under the bilateral defense cooperation roadmap, defense relations between the United States and Morocco are increasingly focused on technological cooperation, capacity-building and advanced defense infrastructure.
AFRICOM fully supports Morocco’s efforts to develop a sovereign, high-tech defense industry. The 2027 African Lion exercises will explicitly include industry partners and experiments involving emerging technologies to advance this shared goal.