Defense & Military
Morocco Advances in Negotiations to Acquire 32 F-35 Fighter Jets
Morocco is in advanced talks with the U.S. to buy 32 F-35 stealth fighters, marking a key step in its defense modernization and regional security role.
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
Photo Credit: Air Force
Defense & Military
Pratt Whitney Completes 3D-Printed TJ150 Turbojet Demo Test
Pratt & Whitney validates additive manufacturing for the TJ150, consolidating 50+ hot section parts into 3D-printed components.
Pratt & Whitney has successfully completed demonstration testing of an additively manufactured TJ150 turbojet engine, a process that consolidated more than 50 individual hot section components into a small number of 3D-printed parts.
The RTX Corporation subsidiary announced the milestone on July 20, 2026, during the Farnborough International Airshow in London. The test results validate the manufacturer’s strategy to use additive manufacturing to simplify design and accelerate production for expendable military propulsion systems.
Consolidating hot section components
According to the press release, nearly 60 percent of the TJ150 engine’s volume was produced using additive manufacturing. This volume includes major static and rotating hardware. By utilizing 3D printing technologies, engineers reduced the complexity of the engine’s hot section and replaced over 50 traditional parts with a handful of consolidated components.
The TJ150 is a 150-pound thrust class turbojet designed for single-use applications.
“For expendable engines like the TJ150, where missions can last minutes or hours, simplifying the design and scaling production quickly is essential to meeting rising demand,” said Jill Albertelli, President of Military Engines at Pratt & Whitney.
Integration with cruise missiles and decoys
The successful demonstration of the 3D-printed TJ150 follows recent contract awards and integration announcements for the engine platform. On March 10, 2026, Pratt & Whitney secured a follow-on contract from Leidos Dynetics to supply TJ150 engines for the AGM-190A small cruise missile.
In a separate announcement on July 15, 2026, Raytheon confirmed plans to prioritize the TJ150 engine for the initial production of the Miniature Air-Launched Decoy (MALD). Raytheon noted that utilizing the existing engine platform keeps restart timelines short while the company explores additively manufactured engines for longer-term opportunities.
Expanding additive manufacturing applications
Pratt & Whitney plans to apply the manufacturing techniques validated during the TJ150 demonstration to other propulsion programs. Albertelli stated that additive manufacturing helps the company move designs from concept to capability faster. She confirmed that the manufacturer is leveraging the TJ150 learnings to benefit other systems, including the Pratt & Whitney Valox engine family.
AirPro News analysis
The successful test of a heavily 3D-printed TJ150 highlights a critical shift in defense aerospace manufacturing. As military operators demand higher volumes of autonomous systems, decoys, and tactical missiles, traditional supply chains for small turbine engines face significant bottlenecks. Casting and machining conventional hot-section components requires extensive tooling and long lead times. By consolidating dozens of parts into a few additively manufactured pieces, we see manufacturers directly addressing the need for rapid scalability.
Expendable engines operate for very short durations, meaning they do not require the same long-term durability as commercial or manned military turbofans. This specific operational profile makes them ideal candidates for additive manufacturing, allowing producers to prioritize production speed and cost reduction over thousands of hours of time-on-wing reliability.
Photo Credit: RTX
Defense & Military
GE Aerospace and Magellan Sign F414 MRO MOU for Canada
GE Aerospace and Magellan Aerospace signed an MOU at Farnborough to establish a Canadian F414 engine MRO center if Canada selects the Gripen E.
GE Aerospace and Magellan Aerospace Corporation signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on July 22, 2026, at the Farnborough International Airshow to establish a Canadian MRO center for the F414-GE-39E engine. The agreement is entirely contingent on the Government of Canada selecting the Saab JAS 39 Gripen E for its future fighter fleet.
Announced in a GE Aerospace press release, the proposed MRO work would take place at Magellan’s facility in Mississauga, Ontario. The partnership aims to position Magellan as Canada’s domestic center of excellence for F414 engine sustainment, guaranteeing sovereign support capabilities for the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) if the Gripen E is acquired.
Industrial offsets and the Gripen E campaign
The MOU represents a calculated component of a broader industrial offset campaign by Saab AB and its suppliers to secure a portion of Canada’s fighter procurement contract. The Canadian government is currently reviewing its fighter jet strategy. While Ottawa previously committed to purchasing a fleet of 88 Lockheed Martin F-35A Lightning II Military-Aircraft, the government is evaluating a potential mixed fleet that could include domestically built Gripen E fighters.
To strengthen the Gripen’s bid, Saab has been securing agreements with Canadian aerospace firms to promise domestic job creation and technology transfer. This engine sustainment agreement follows a similar MOU signed on July 17, 2026, between Saab and Canadian aviation training firm CAE Inc. to cooperate on advanced fighter pilot Training.
Engine sustainment and domestic capabilities
The F414 engine family has accumulated more than 5 million flight hours globally. The new agreement builds on a 60-year working relationship between GE Aerospace and Magellan Aerospace Corporation.
Paul Ferraro, Vice President of Defense Engines & Services at GE Aerospace, stated that the agreement spans both military and commercial engines and will ensure the RCAF has in-country access to sustainment services to maintain F414 readiness.
Haydn Martin, Vice President of Business Development, Marketing, and Contracts at Magellan Aerospace Corporation, emphasized the operational benefits of the proposed partnership.
“Should the Saab JAS 39 Gripen E aircraft be selected, Magellan Aerospace will be ready to provide world-class engine maintenance, repair and overhaul services that enhance operational readiness for the Royal Canadian Air Force while maintaining highly skilled Canadian jobs, developing advanced technical expertise, and strengthening Canada’s long-term defence industrial capacity,” Martin said.
AirPro News analysis
We view this MOU as a clear signal that the competition for Canada’s fighter fleet remains highly active despite the initial F-35A selection. By lining up domestic heavyweights like Magellan and CAE, Saab is directly addressing Ottawa’s stringent Industrial and Technological Benefits (ITB) policy requirements. If the Government of Canada opts for a mixed fleet, establishing sovereign MRO capabilities for the F414 engine will be a critical factor in mitigating supply chain risks and ensuring RCAF operational independence. Until a formal procurement decision is finalized, these agreements remain strategic positioning rather than guaranteed Contracts.
Sources: GE Aerospace
Photo Credit: GE Aerospace
Defense & Military
CBP AMO Orders 10 Airbus H125 Helicopters for Fleet Expansion
CBP Air and Marine Operations contracts for 10 Airbus H125 helicopters, expanding a 30-year fleet of over 100 rotary-wing aircraft.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection Air and Marine Operations (CBP AMO) has finalized a contract to acquire 10 additional Airbus H125 helicopters, expanding a fleet modernization effort that relies heavily on the single-engine platform for border security and law enforcement missions.
In a press release issued on July 7, 2026, Airbus confirmed the agreement, which reinforces a three-decade relationship between the federal agency and the aerospace manufacturer. The new helicopters will be assembled at the Airbus Helicopters production facility in Columbus, Mississippi.
Expanding the airborne law enforcement fleet
The latest acquisition builds upon a previous order placed in August 2020, when CBP AMO contracted for 16 H125 helicopters to upgrade its aging rotary-wing assets. The agency currently operates a total fleet of more than 240 aircraft, which includes over 100 helicopters from the Airbus H120 and H125 families delivered over the past 30 years.
The H125, formerly known as the Eurocopter AS350, is utilized by CBP AMO for a variety of demanding flight profiles, including border surveillance, suspect pursuit, and general public safety operations across the United States.
Bart Reijnen, Head of the North America Region for Airbus Helicopters, stated that the expansion “underscores the long-standing collaboration” between the manufacturer and the federal agency. He added that the selection highlights the trust placed in the H125 to execute critical public safety missions under demanding conditions, with Airbus committing to provide comprehensive services to maintain mission readiness.
Virtual reality integration for pilot training
As CBP AMO increases its H125 inventory, the agency is simultaneously overhauling how it trains the personnel who fly them. In November 2025, CBP became the first federal law enforcement agency and the first branch of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to integrate virtual reality into its aerial training program.
According to reporting by FLYING Magazine, the agency awarded a contract to adopt an FAA-qualified Airbus H125 virtual reality flight simulator developed by Loft Dynamics. The simulator is being installed at the CBP AMO training center in Oklahoma City, where it will be used to train the agency’s roster of more than 600 pilots.
AirPro News analysis
We view CBP AMO’s continued investment in the H125 platform as a clear indicator of the agency’s preference for fleet commonality. Operating a standardized fleet of over 100 H125-family helicopters significantly reduces maintenance overhead, streamlines supply chains, and simplifies pilot transition training. Furthermore, Airbus’s strategy of assembling these aircraft in Columbus, Mississippi, likely plays a crucial role in navigating federal procurement requirements, ensuring that the European manufacturer remains highly competitive for U.S. government contracts. The parallel investment in Loft Dynamics’ VR simulators suggests the agency is preparing for a sustained, long-term operational lifespan for the H125 fleet.
Sources: Airbus
Photo Credit: Airbus
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