Morocco to Become First African Nation to Operate 5th-Generation F-35 Fighter Jets
“The U.S. Department of Defense is expected to finalize an agreement allowing Morocco to obtain its first Lockheed Martin F-35 fighter jets in the coming months,” the report stated.
(DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA) – Morocco is poised to become the first African nation to operate the fifth-generation F-35 fighter jets from the United States, should ongoing procurement negotiations yield results.
According to Israeli media outlet Identité Juive, Morocco is in discussions to acquire 32 F-35 fighter jets.
“The U.S. Department of Defense is expected to finalize an agreement allowing Morocco to obtain its first Lockheed Martin F-35 fighter jets in the coming months,” the report stated.
“This acquisition would make Morocco the only African nation equipped with a substantial fleet of 32 fifth-generation American stealth aircraft.”
Military observers noted that Moroccan and Israeli officials negotiated the sale of F-35 Lightning II fighter jets between 2020 and 2022.
Following a landmark meeting in November 2021 between Israeli Defense Minister Benny Gantz and his Moroccan counterpart, Abdellatif Loudiyi, Morocco sought Israel’s support to expedite the acquisition process.
Morocco’s decision to procure the F-35 was driven by escalating political tensions with Algeria and the Polisario Front.
Recently, Algeria reportedly became the first country to place an order for Russia’s fifth-generation Su-57 fighter jets.
Reports indicate that Morocco turned to Tel Aviv for assistance in facilitating the procurement of these advanced aircraft from the U.S. military.
Despite being a Muslim-majority nation, Morocco maintains close military ties with Israel and the United States.
In July, Morocco reportedly signed an agreement with Israel to acquire two “Ofek” reconnaissance satellites from Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), valued at over USD 1 billion (RM4.4 billion).
Additionally, Moroccan ground forces recently received the first batch of 100 upgraded M1A2 SEPv3 Abrams tanks from General Dynamics Land Systems (GDLS).
Reports also suggest Morocco has procured 500 Bradley armored fighting vehicles from the United States for use in military operations.
The procurement and maintenance of Morocco’s fleet of 32 F-35 fighter jets over a 45-year period is expected to cost approximately USD 17 billion (RM76 billion).
This strategic acquisition is anticipated to significantly impact the geostrategic balance in the Mediterranean region, solidifying Morocco’s position as Africa’s leading military power.
The F-35 acquisition marks a critical step in modernizing Morocco’s air force, which currently relies on fourth-generation aircraft like the F-16.
The advanced stealth capabilities and cutting-edge technology of the F-35 will bolster Morocco’s deterrence, particularly in response to Algeria’s potential deployment of Russian Su-57 fighter jets.
The F-35 was the highlight of the 7th Marrakech Air Show, held from October 30 to November 2, 2024, at the Royal Air Forces Training Base in Marrakech.
The event was organized by the Ministry of Industry and Commerce and the National Defense Administration, with support from the Royal Moroccan Air Force.
A key moment of the exhibition was the official unveiling of Morocco’s first Boeing Apache AH-64E attack helicopter.
Production of 24 attack helicopters for the Royal Moroccan Air Force is underway, further strengthening Morocco’s strategic role in aerial defense. – DSA
