Morocco Strengthens Broader Military Cooperation with Gulf States

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Morocco took part in the multinational aerial exercise “Tuwaiq 4,” held at Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia, as part of ongoing military cooperation between the Kingdom and Gulf nations. This participation aims to strengthen bilateral relations and enhance the Moroccan forces’ defensive capabilities.

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The Kingdom is working to consolidate its regional and international position in the military domain, particularly in light of rising security challenges in the region. This multidimensional strategy highlights Rabat’s commitment to engaging in various international initiatives.

Alongside Saudi Arabia and Morocco, forces from the UAE, Oman, Qatar, Jordan, the United Kingdom, the United States, and Greece participated in the exercise. Egypt and Bahrain attended as observers.

“Tuwaiq 4” includes joint operations, tactical air drops from high and low altitudes to support combat air operations, search and rescue missions, as well as lectures on advanced combat, planning, and air operation management techniques.

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Gulf-Moroccan relations are considered exemplary in the Arab region, particularly regarding economic partnerships, military cooperation, and mutual stances on key regional and international issues. This has strengthened support for Morocco’s sovereignty over the Sahara.

In return, Morocco has adopted supportive positions towards Gulf security, especially in countering destabilizing Iranian activities that threaten regional and international stability. These relations serve as a safeguard for regional stability, whether in fighting terrorism or promoting sustainable development.

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Abderrahman Mekkaoui, a military affairs expert, told the local Hespress site that “the goal of Moroccan participation in such exercises is to improve interoperability between the Royal Air Forces and other participating forces, strengthen capabilities, and exchange experiences, particularly in aerial support operations, ballistic missile interception, and drone neutralization.”

According to the same source, Mekkaoui explained that “the participating countries all operate American and British weaponry. Their presence in these maneuvers alongside the United States and the UK enhances operational cooperation and enables forces to keep pace with the latest air defense technologies while improving readiness, alertness, and joint operational planning.”

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The expert also highlighted “the participation of a Moroccan paratrooper unit that conducted a drill simulating intervention on the frontlines of combat, showcasing the extensive expertise accumulated by the Royal Air Forces.”

Morocco’s defensive capabilities have seen significant progress, bolstered by international participation. This development aligns with the Kingdom’s strategy to diversify military partnerships and establish a domestic defense industry by drawing on international expertise.

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Morocco aims to build a military industry as part of its aspiration to become a regional power. Moroccan companies have entered the drone industry to meet national needs, ranging from military applications to goods transport, mapping, and photography.

Last June, Rabat announced plans to create two defense industrial zones to develop security equipment and weapons systems. This initiative follows the validation of four military-related projects by the Council of Ministers.

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