Morocco Poised to Secure F-35s – A Direct Counter to Algeria’s Su-57 Fleet?

(DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA) – Morocco is reportedly on the verge of obtaining official approval from the United States to acquire the fifth-generation F-35 Lightning II fighter jets from Lockheed Martin, with analysts viewing the move as a strategic response to Algeria’s recent procurement of the Su-57 Felon.

Not only is Washington expected to grant Morocco permission to purchase the advanced fighter jets, but the acquisition is also receiving strong support from Israel.

Morocco and Israel have long maintained close defense and security ties, making Tel Aviv’s endorsement of Rabat’s F-35 procurement unsurprising.

Reports indicate that Morocco aims to acquire up to 32 F-35 fighter jets from the United States in a deal estimated to be worth $18 billion.

For an Arab and Muslim-majority country—despite Morocco’s geographical location in North Africa—securing Israeli backing for the procurement of such advanced military assets is considered highly unusual.

This is primarily due to concerns surrounding the “Qualitative Military Edge” (QME), a principle ensuring Israel’s technological superiority over its regional adversaries.

In the past, Israel has strongly opposed attempts by Arab states aligned with Washington, including Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and Qatar, to acquire the F-35.

Due to these objections, Washington previously canceled proposed F-35 sales to these nations during former President Donald Trump’s first term.

At the IDEX 2025 defense exhibition in the UAE, Moroccan senior defense officials reportedly held extensive discussions with U.S. defense officials and Lockheed Martin representatives regarding Rabat’s potential acquisition of the F-35.

Moroccan Defense Minister Abdellatif Loudiyi also met with senior Lockheed Martin executives at the event.

During IDEX 2025, Lockheed Martin officials provided Moroccan defense officials with in-depth briefings on the advanced technology and capabilities of the F-35.

Given Morocco’s strong defense and security ties with both the United States and Israel, it is widely expected to receive approval for the F-35 acquisition, making it the first Arab or North African nation to operate the fifth-generation fighter.

Morocco’s pursuit of the F-35 is also believed to be influenced by its neighbor Algeria’s acquisition of the Russian-made Su-57 Felon.

Recently, Algeria’s state-owned television network confirmed that the North African nation has become the first export customer for Russia’s Su-57 fifth-generation fighter, ending speculation over the jet’s initial international buyer.

This confirmation follows a recent statement by Alexander Mikheev, CEO of Russia’s defense export agency ROSOBORONEXPORT, who announced that the first foreign customer for the Su-57E (the export variant) would begin receiving and operating the advanced multirole fighter this year.

Mikheev made the remarks at Aero India 2025, where Russia showcased its Su-57.

Algerian state television reported, “Algerian pilots are currently undergoing training in Russia, and the delivery of the Su-57 is expected this year.”

However, no details were provided regarding the number of aircraft Algeria will receive or the total cost of the procurement.

Unofficial sources suggest that Algeria may initially acquire only six Su-57 units. If accurate, this initial batch is likely intended for evaluation, with potential follow-on orders in the future.

At the Airshow China 2024 in Zhuhai last November, Mikheev had previously announced that Russia had signed its first export contract for the Su-57E but did not disclose the customer’s identity.

“We have signed the first contract for a foreign buyer,” Mikheev stated, adding that international interest in the Su-57 remains strong.

At the time of the announcement, Algeria was widely speculated to be the first foreign recipient of the Su-57.

— DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA