S Approval Paves the Way for Morocco to Acquire F-35 Jets

5th January 2025

2 minutes read

S Approval Paves the Way for Morocco to Acquire F-35 Jets

Reports suggest that Morocco could become the first country in Africa and the Arab world to strengthen its armed forces with the most advanced fighter jets.

Spanish and Israeli reports indicate that Morocco is poised to become the first country in Africa and the Arab world to acquire F-35 jets after the United States approved a deal involving 32 aircraft. This green light is not coincidental but stems from the growing cooperation between Rabat and Washington, which views Morocco as a reliable international partner playing a pivotal role in a sensitive region and relies on its security efforts to promote stability and combat threats, including terrorism.

If completed, this deal would significantly boost the Moroccan army’s defense capabilities, solidifying the Kingdom’s status as a military power in the region. It is part of an ambitious strategy to arm the Royal Armed Forces with the most advanced weaponry through agreements with various countries under military cooperation frameworks.

The Spanish newspaper La Razón, citing Israeli media, reported that Morocco expressed interest in acquiring these highly advanced fighter jets after Algeria announced its intention to bolster its forces with Russian stealth fighters, the “Sukhoi 57,” which belong to the fifth generation and are comparable to the American F-35s.

At the end of 2020, Algeria entered negotiations with Moscow to purchase 14 Sukhoi 57 fighter jets, with delivery anticipated by 2030.

The deal for Morocco to acquire 32 F-35s is valued at $17 billion, according to the Moroccan website Al-Sahifa. Morocco’s efforts to secure these fighters date back to the pre-Trump administration era, during which the US recognized Moroccan sovereignty over the Sahara. However, the process was delayed under Joe Biden’s presidency.

The same source reported that members of the US Congress, who support peace agreements between Israel and Arab countries, recently urged the Biden administration to approve supplying Morocco and other nations with F-35 jets in exchange for supporting humanitarian projects for Palestinians.

Over recent years, Morocco has signed numerous defense agreements, particularly with the US and European powers, enhancing the Kingdom’s military capabilities. This initiative aligns with Morocco’s commitment to readiness against all threats.

Morocco places great importance on securing its land and maritime borders amid instability in neighboring countries. The Kingdom also plays a crucial role in combating terrorism and countering destabilization attempts by the Polisario Front, supported by Algeria, which seeks to prolong the artificial conflict.

King Mohammed VI is committed to modernizing Morocco’s military, equipping it with state-of-the-art weaponry, and bolstering its logistical and technological capabilities. Additionally, Morocco is steadily advancing towards establishing a domestic defense industry as part of an ambitious plan to achieve self-sufficiency in this sector.