Morocco Advances in Negotiations to Acquire 32 F-35 Fighter Jets

Morocco’s Pursuit of the F-35: A New Chapter in Regional Security

The strategic landscape of North Africa is on the cusp of a significant transformation. Morocco and the United States are reportedly in advanced negotiations for the sale of 32 Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II fighter jets. This potential acquisition is more than just a military hardware upgrade, it represents a pivotal moment in Morocco’s defense strategy, its diplomatic alliances, and the regional balance of power. If finalized, the deal would position Morocco as the first Arab and African nation to operate a fifth-generation stealth fighter, signaling a profound deepening of its military and strategic ties with Washington.

The discussions, which have been ongoing since at least 2020, underscore a deliberate and calculated move by Rabat to modernize its armed forces and secure a qualitative military edge. The introduction of the F-35 into the Royal Moroccan Air Force would provide an unprecedented level of air superiority, intelligence gathering, and strike capabilities. This development is not occurring in a vacuum. It is a direct response to evolving regional threats and the military acquisitions of neighboring countries, setting the stage for a new era of strategic competition in the western Mediterranean and North Africa.

Understanding the full scope of this potential deal requires looking beyond the aircraft themselves. The negotiations are intertwined with broader geopolitical currents, including the 2020 Abraham Accords, which normalized relations between Israel and several Arab nations, including Morocco. This diplomatic realignment has unlocked new avenues for security cooperation, making a high-level arms transfer like the F-35 more feasible. As we examine the details, it becomes clear that this is a multifaceted agreement with far-reaching implications for NATO interoperability, regional stability, and the future of U.S. foreign policy in Africa.

The Strategic Rationale and Regional Impact

Morocco’s interest in the F-35 is a cornerstone of its broader military modernization strategy. For years, the Royal Moroccan Air Force has been methodically upgrading its capabilities to enhance deterrence and project power. This effort has included the procurement of upgraded F-16 fighters, Apache attack helicopters, and sophisticated Drones systems. The acquisition of the F-35 would be the logical and ultimate next step in this process, catapulting its air force into the exclusive club of fifth-generation operators and ensuring its technological superiority for decades to come.

A Response to a Shifting Military Balance

A primary driver for the F-35 acquisition is the shifting military balance in the Maghreb. The move is widely seen as a strategic counter to neighboring Algeria’s reported acquisition of the Russian Su-57, another fifth-generation fighter. By securing the F-35, Morocco aims to maintain its military advantage and deter potential adversaries. The F-35’s advanced stealth, sensor fusion, and network-centric warfare capabilities provide a significant leap over previous generations of aircraft, fundamentally altering the calculus of any potential conflict in the region.

The implications of this acquisition extend beyond North Africa. European nations, particularly Spain, are closely monitoring the negotiations. The presence of F-35 jets operating just across the Strait of Gibraltar introduces a new variable into the security architecture of the western Mediterranean. While Morocco is a key partner for Europe in counter-terrorism and migration control, its enhanced military power requires a recalibration of regional defense postures. The deal reinforces Morocco’s role as a major military actor whose capabilities must be factored into the strategic planning of its European neighbors.

Furthermore, acquiring the F-35 would align Morocco’s air power architecture more closely with NATO standards. Although not a member, Morocco is a major non-NATO ally of the United States, and this purchase would significantly improve interoperability for joint operations and exercises. This enhanced compatibility strengthens Morocco’s position as a reliable security partner for the West and integrates it more deeply into the operational frameworks of NATO forces, particularly the U.S. Air Force.

The potential deal, valued at approximately $17 billion, reportedly includes not only the 32 aircraft but also a comprehensive package for training, long-term maintenance, and logistics support spanning 45 years.

The Diplomatic Framework: Alliances and Approvals

The path to acquiring the F-35 is paved with complex diplomatic and legal considerations. The negotiations are being conducted through the U.S. Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program, a government-to-government process reserved for trusted partners. The strength of the U.S.-Morocco defense relationship was symbolically highlighted by the display of an F-35 at the 2024 Marrakech Air Show, a clear signal of Washington’s confidence in Rabat as a strategic ally.

A critical hurdle for any major U.S. arms sale in the Middle East and North Africa is the legal requirement to uphold Israel’s Qualitative Military Edge (QME). This U.S. law mandates that any arms transfer to the region must not impair Israel’s ability to defend itself. The normalization of relations under the Abraham Accords has been instrumental in clearing this obstacle. Reports indicate that Israel has not objected to the sale to Morocco, and a pivotal meeting in November 2021 between the Moroccan and Israeli defense ministers was reportedly key to advancing the talks. This tacit approval from Israel is a crucial component, reflecting a new era of pragmatic security cooperation in the region.

The discussions have also reportedly expanded beyond a simple military sale. The broader negotiations are said to include potential deals for Boeing commercial aircraft, indicating a wider strategic and economic partnership is being forged. This suggests that both nations view the F-35 deal as part of a larger package designed to strengthen bilateral ties across multiple sectors, from defense and security to commerce and technology.

Conclusion: A Defining Moment for Moroccan Defense

The ongoing negotiations for 32 F-35 fighters represent a defining moment for Morocco. This acquisition is the culmination of a long-term vision for military modernization and a clear statement of the country’s strategic ambitions. By securing the most advanced fighter jet in the world, Morocco would not only solidify its military superiority in the region but also cement its status as a premier security partner for the United States and its allies. The deal is a testament to the strength of the U.S.-Morocco alliance, reinforced by the new geopolitical realities shaped by the Abraham Accords.

Looking ahead, the introduction of the F-35 into North Africa will have lasting implications. It will likely accelerate the military modernization efforts of regional rivals, potentially fueling a new arms race. For Europe and NATO, it means engaging with a more capable and assertive Morocco in the Mediterranean. While the final agreement has yet to be announced, the advanced state of the negotiations signals that a new chapter in North African security and power dynamics is about to begin, with the F-35 at its center.

FAQ

Question: Why is Morocco seeking to purchase F-35 fighter jets?
Answer: Morocco is acquiring the F-35 as part of a broader military modernization strategy to enhance its defense capabilities and maintain a qualitative military edge in the region, particularly in response to the military advancements of neighboring countries like Algeria.

Question: What is the status of the deal?
Answer: Negotiations between Morocco and the United States are in an advanced stage. However, no final agreement or official delivery timeline has been publicly announced by either government.

Question: How does this acquisition affect Morocco’s relationship with the U.S. and other allies?
Answer: The deal significantly strengthens Morocco’s strategic alliance with the United States. It also enhances its interoperability with NATO forces, reinforcing its role as a key security partner in the region. The diplomatic groundwork for the deal was facilitated by the Abraham Accords, which also improved relations with Israel.

Sources: Air Data News, Army Recognition, The North Africa Post, Hespress, The Africa Report, Africa Intelligence