On April 11, the overflight of Morocco’s Figuig region by two Algerian combat helicopters reignited tensions. This incident once again demonstrates the fragile security situation in a 1,600-kilometer zone under close surveillance.
Morocco’s acquisition of 30 Mirage 2000-9 combat aircraft from the United Arab Emirates is being slowed down by the geopolitical context. The war in the Middle East is pushing Abu Dhabi to maintain its military capabilities.
The Indian manufacturer HAL will set up an aeronautical plant in Ben Guerir by 2027. This site will provide maintenance for Moroccan F-16s before locally assembling 58 LCA Tejas fighter jets to modernize the Royal Air Force fleet.
Morocco is taking another step in modernizing its air force with the expected acquisition of KC-390 Millennium tactical transport aircraft . This strategic agreement with Brazilian manufacturer Embraer includes a broad industrial partnership.
Morocco has engaged in talks with Korea Aerospace Industries at the Riyadh defense show for the potential acquisition of FA-50 combat aircraft . This approach aims to strengthen the Kingdom’s advanced training and operational support capabilities.
Morocco is consolidating its strategic position in the African skies. According to the latest ranking of a specialized platform, the Kingdom has the fourth largest military fleet on the continent , with a strategy focused on technological modernization and the integration of cutting-edge platforms rather than just numerical accumulation.
The Sidi Yahya el-Gharb base is now home to the first Barak-8 MX launchers. This next-generation system locks down Moroccan airspace against missiles and drones, fulfilling a $500 million contract with Israel for comprehensive protection of the territory.
A first Moroccan C-130 has arrived in Texas to be modernized, but this could be one of the last to cross the Atlantic for this purpose. Morocco is also launching the construction of its own maintenance center in Benslimane, aiming for full autonomy by 2026.
To modernize its fleet of transport aircraft, the Moroccan army is hesitating between the American Lockheed Martin C-130J Super Hercules and the Brazilian Embraer C-390 Millennium. According to an expert, the United States is largely favored in this strategic race.
Morocco could become the first Arab and African country to acquire stealthy F-35 fighter jets. The recent working visit to Washington of a military delegation led by General Mohammed Gadih, Inspector General of the Royal Air Force, would mark an important step towards this historic acquisition.
As part of the modernization of its Royal Air Force (RAF), Morocco signed an agreement with Airbus Helicopters on Monday, September 1st for the acquisition of ten H225M Caracal helicopters, dedicated to tactical transport and search and rescue missions as well as rapid deployment.
Morocco is continuing the modernization of its military. The kingdom is one of the few countries to benefit from a $41.3 million US contract to enhance the electronic capabilities and cyber defense of its F-16s.