Casablanca, August 18 - Morocco is poised to make history as the first Arab and African nation to acquire the advanced Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II stealth fighter jets, a development that marks a significant leap in its military modernization efforts. According to multiple defense and security sources, the Kingdom is nearing the finalization of a deal with the United States for 32 F-35A jets, a transaction estimated at $17 billion over 45 years, encompassing procurement, maintenance, and logistical support. This move follows years of negotiations, with discussions gaining momentum between 2020 and 2022, facilitated in part by Israel’s approval, a critical factor given its influence over the transfer of sensitive U.S. military technology to Arab states. The acquisition aligns with Morocco’s broader strategy to bolster its air superiority, particularly in the context of regional tensions, and complements its recent purchases, including 24 F-16C/D Block 72 Vipers and upgrades to its existing F-16 fleet to the F-16V standard, equipped with advanced radar and electronic warfare systems. The F-35, renowned for its stealth capabilities, cutting-edge avionics, and multirole versatility, would elevate the Royal Moroccan Air Force to an elite tier, enabling it to conduct air dominance, ground attack, and reconnaissance missions with unmatched precision.
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The strategic impetus behind Morocco’s pursuit of the F-35 stems from its geopolitical rivalry with Algeria, particularly over the Western Sahara dispute, where air superiority could prove decisive. Algeria’s reported acquisition of Russia’s fifth-generation Su-57 Felon fighter jets has intensified this arms race, prompting Morocco to seek a technological edge through the F-35’s advanced stealth and sensor fusion capabilities. The jets’ AN/APG-81 radar and integrated electronic warfare systems offer superior situational awareness and the ability to counter complex threats, making them a formidable asset in contested environments. Morocco’s military modernization extends beyond fighters, with recent acquisitions of AH-64E Apache helicopters, M1A2 SEPv3 Abrams tanks, and MQ-9B SeaGuardian drones, alongside intelligence enhancements like modified Gulfstream G550 aircraft with Israeli Elta systems and reconnaissance satellites. These developments reflect Morocco’s ambition to establish itself as a dominant military power in North Africa, supported by deepening ties with the United States and Israel, particularly following the 2020 normalization accords with the latter.
The potential F-35 deal was prominently highlighted at the 7th Marrakech Air Show, held from October 30 to November 2, 2024, at the Royal Air Forces Training Base in Marrakech. The event, organized by Morocco’s Ministry of Industry and Commerce and National Defense Administration, showcased the Kingdom’s growing influence in aerospace and defense, with over 300 exhibitors and 100 international delegations in attendance. The unveiling of Morocco’s first Boeing AH-64E Apache helicopter underscored its ongoing military buildup. Lockheed Martin’s presentations to Moroccan military officials, including one at the International Defense Exhibition (IDEX) in Abu Dhabi in February 2025, emphasized the F-35’s transformative potential for the Royal Moroccan Air Force. The jets’ integration with Morocco’s existing F-16 fleet would be streamlined through shared NATO-standard training protocols, with full operational capability projected by 2035, enhancing interoperability with allied forces.
This acquisition, if finalized, could reshape the regional balance of power, raising concerns among Morocco’s neighbors, particularly Algeria and, to a lesser extent, Egypt, which is exploring Chinese alternatives like the J-10C and J-31 to modernize its air force. The F-35’s stealth and precision strike capabilities would give Morocco a qualitative edge, potentially altering the dynamics of the Western Sahara conflict and broader North African security. Beyond military implications, the deal signals Morocco’s emergence as a key U.S. ally in Africa, with economic and diplomatic ramifications that could extend to the Mediterranean region. As Morocco advances its defense infrastructure, the F-35 acquisition underscores its commitment to long-term strategic investments, positioning the Kingdom as a pivotal player in regional stability and global defense partnerships.