Latest news with #RoyalMoroccanArmedForces
Libyan Express
17 hours ago
- Business
- Libyan Express
Morocco eyes Rafale F4 jets in fresh move to modernize air force
BY Libyan Express Aug 15, 2025 - 12:24 France and US vie for Morocco's next fighter jet contract Morocco is weighing the acquisition of French Rafale fighter jets in the advanced F4 configuration, as part of a program to modernise its air force and bolster defense capabilities amid shifting regional dynamics. According to the specialist outlet Avions Legendaires and corroborated by local media, the Royal Moroccan Armed Forces are currently considering the purchase of six Rafale F4 aircraft, along with associated weapons and support systems. The move comes in the context of competition between France and the United States, with Washington promoting its F-16V Viper as an alternative. The growing defense cooperation between Morocco and France was showcased during the 'Marathon 25' joint military exercises held between June 23 and July 5, 2025. During the drills, Moroccan pilots flew Rafale aircraft and assessed their capabilities firsthand, in the presence of senior Moroccan air force officers. The exercises also featured Airbus A330 MRTT tankers from the French Air and Space Force, though no official link has been made between the refuelling aircraft and Morocco's current procurement plans. If the Rafale acquisition proceeds, an official order could be placed in 2026, with delivery timelines yet to be confirmed. A previous attempt to finalise a Rafale deal reportedly collapsed over pricing disagreements. The views expressed in Op-Ed pieces are those of the author and do not purport to reflect the opinions or views of Libyan Express. How to submit an Op-Ed: Libyan Express accepts opinion articles on a wide range of topics. Submissions may be sent to oped@ Please include 'Op-Ed' in the subject line.
Morocco World
24-05-2025
- Politics
- Morocco World
Morocco, US Conclude ‘African Lion 2025' With Large-Scale Military Drill
Rabat – The Royal Moroccan Armed Forces and the United States military wrapped up the 21st edition of the joint exercise 'African Lion 2025' on Friday, with final operations held near the mouth of the Draa River, north of Tan-Tan. The exercise brought together over 10,000 soldiers from Morocco, the US, and other allied countries, including NATO forces. During the closing maneuvers, troops simulated a full-scale response to a fictional enemy. Moroccan and American air and ground forces worked together to strike targets and carry out coordinated attacks. Moroccan F-16 jets supported ground operations, while American HIMARS artillery systems bombed enemy positions. Special forces destroyed a radar site used to detect drones, and Royal Moroccan artillery units provided front-line support using M109 A5 systems. Armored vehicles such as Abrams tanks, along with infantry transported in heavy and light armored vehicles, cleared the remaining enemy forces. Engineers then dismantled landmines to allow movement of troops during simulated attacks and counterattacks. One highlight was a joint logistics operation that demonstrated how to evacuate injured soldiers from the battlefield using Puma helicopters and ground vehicles. Damaged military vehicles were also towed for repair and redeployment. Se nior military officials from both countries attended the exercise. General Mohamed Berrid, Inspector General of the Royal Armed Forces, and U.S. General Michael Langley, Commander of AFRICOM, commended the coordination between the two armies. Langley said that the training shows how both countries can respond together to growing security threats, especially in the Sahel region. Held from May 12 across various Moroccan regions, including Agadir, Tan-Tan, Tiznit, Kenitra, Benguerir, and Tifnit, the African Lion 2025 included training in multiple areas, like planning operations, nuclear and chemical threat response, and combined air-ground maneuvers. Tags: Africa Lion 2025militaryMorocco US
Ya Biladi
17-05-2025
- Politics
- Ya Biladi
Sahara : Drone strike by Moroccan forces kills Polisario commander
According to consistent sources, the «Commander of the Sixth Military Region» in the Polisario militia, Mustafa Ould Mohammed Laroussi, was killed on Thursday in a drone strike carried out by the Royal Moroccan Armed Forces near the Mahbes area. The same strike also resulted in the death of another Polisario member, Ouba Wambark Ould Add, as reported by social media pages affiliated with the separatist front. In a related development, the First Secretary of the «Sahrawis for Peace» movement, Hajj Ahmed Barikla, sent a message on Thursday to the UN envoy to Western Sahara, Staffan de Mistura, urging him to intervene to «stop the senseless war that the Sahrawis are paying the price for». In his message, Hajj Ahmed wrote: «We cannot abandon the belief in the possibility of achieving peace, nor accept that war is an inevitable fate. Therefore, I will not cease to appeal to your moral authority for urgent intervention, to prevent an increase in the number of widows and orphans in Western Sahara as a result of a futile war».
Ya Biladi
12-05-2025
- General
- Ya Biladi
Moroccan and U.S. troops academic exercises in Agadir as African Lion 2025 launches in Morocco
Members of the Royal Moroccan Armed Forces and U.S. Army instructors took part in academic exercises last week in Agadir, as part of African Lion 2025—the largest annual military exercise in Africa. A video shared Monday by the Defense Visual Information Distribution Service (DVIDS)—a U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) platform that provides public access to military-related news—shows Royal Moroccan Armed Forces soldiers listening attentively and taking notes as U.S. soldiers deliver instruction as part of an academic exercise held on May 5. Another video shows similar academic courses were conducted on May 7 as well. These exercises are part of a series of operations scheduled to take place across Morocco until May 23, as part of the 21st edition of African Lion of which an opening ceremony was officially held on Monday. The ceremony, held at the headquarters of the Southern Zone Staff in Agadir, brought together military representatives from participating countries and was co-chaired by Major General Mohammed Benlouali, Chief of Staff of the South Zone, and Brigadier General Brian Cederman, Deputy Commander of SETAF-Africa. Major General Benlouali emphasized that the 21st edition of African Lion «reflects the strength of the partnership and spirit of cooperation linking the FAR, the U.S. Armed Forces, and the brotherly and friendly countries taking part». Brigadier General Cederman described the exercise as «a truly remarkable event, which testifies to the significant value of this training and the growing strength of our partnerships». Led by U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM), African Lion 2025 brings together more than 10,000 troops from over 50 nations, including seven NATO allies. Taking place across Morocco, Ghana, Senegal, and Tunisia, the exercise features a wide-ranging training program, including operational planning, joint maneuvers, and NRBC (Nuclear, Radiological, Biological, and Chemical) decontamination, alongside humanitarian and civil assistance initiatives. In Morocco, the African Lion exercises will be held in the regions of Agadir, Tan-Tan, Tiznit, Kénitra, Benguérir, and Tifnit.
Morocco World
12-05-2025
- Politics
- Morocco World
Morocco, US Launch 21st Edition of African Lion Military Exercise in Agadir
Doha – The 21st edition of the multinational African Lion military exercise officially kicked off Monday at the Southern Zone headquarters in Agadir. Co-organized by the Royal Moroccan Armed Forces (FAR) and the United States Armed Forces, this year's exercise will run until May 23 across several regions of Morocco. The opening ceremony was co-chaired by Major General Mohammed Benlouali, Chief of Staff of the Southern Zone, and Brigadier General Brian Cedeman, Deputy Commander of SETAF-AFRICA. Representatives from participating countries attended the event, where officials presented the command post simulation scenario and related activities planned for this edition. Speaking at the ceremony, Major General Benlouali stressed that the 21st edition of 'African Lion' reflects the solid partnership and cooperative spirit linking the FAR, US Armed Forces, and participating allied countries. 'This reinforced partnership has allowed us to develop skills across various programmed activities throughout the editions of this exercise,' he added. Brigadier General Cedeman described the African Lion exercise as 'a truly remarkable event that demonstrates the significant value of this training and the growing strength of our partnerships.' He affirmed that 'Morocco's commitment to African Lion testifies to the strength of our alliance,' noting that 'each of us is committed to promoting peace, prosperity, and security in the region and throughout the world.' The exercise will take place in the regions of Agadir, Tan-Tan, Tiznit, Kenitra, Benguerir, and Tifnit, featuring operational training spanning land, air, maritime, space, and cyber domains. Activities will include operational training in multiple domains, planning exercises for participating personnel, and CBRN (Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear) decontamination training, alongside joint military maneuvers. Core components of the exercise include field training exercises, airborne and amphibious operations, special operations forces training, and HIMARS (High Mobility Artillery Rocket System) rapid insertion. This year's edition will also feature parallel humanitarian and social activities, which organizers assert reinforce the exercise's comprehensive approach. African Lion 2025 aims to strengthen military cooperation between Morocco and the United States, develop interoperability, and enhance intervention capabilities in a multinational context, ultimately contributing to regional security, peace, and stability. The exercise is conducted in accordance with the instructions of King Mohammed VI, who serves as the Supreme Commander and Chief of General Staff of the Royal Armed Forces. African Lion has evolved since its inception in 2004 to become the US military's largest exercise on the African continent. US Africa Command's flagship annual exercise for this year, African Lion 25, officially kicked off on April 14 in Tunisia, with additional operations taking place in Ghana, Senegal, and Morocco throughout May. Gathering over 10,000 troops from more than 40 countries — including seven NATO allies — this year's edition became the largest and most ambitious in the exercise's history. This year, participating countries in Morocco include Cameroon, Cape Verde, Djibouti, France, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea-Bissau, Hungary, Israel, Kenya, Nigeria, Portugal, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Observer countries span throughout Africa and beyond, including Belgium, Democratic Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, India, Qatar, and the Republic of Congo, reflecting the broader interest in regional cooperation and collective security. Read also: Algeria Plays Silent Card as AFRICOM Confirms Invitation for African Lion 2025 Tags: African LionAfrican Lion Military ExerciseMorocco US Relations
