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.
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.
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 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 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.
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.
Question: Why is Morocco seeking to purchase F-35 fighter jets? Question: What is the status of the deal? Question: How does this acquisition affect Morocco’s relationship with the U.S. and other allies? Sources: Air Data News, Army Recognition, The North Africa Post, Hespress, The Africa Report, Africa Intelligence
Morocco’s Pursuit of the F-35: A New Chapter in Regional Security
The Strategic Rationale and Regional Impact
A Response to a Shifting Military Balance
The Diplomatic Framework: Alliances and Approvals
Conclusion: A Defining Moment for Moroccan Defense
FAQ
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.
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.
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.
Photo Credit: Air Force
Defense & Military
Lockheed Martin and Microsoft Launch Sanctum Cloud-Based Drone Defense
Sanctum combines Lockheed Martin’s defense tech with Microsoft Azure AI to detect and neutralize drone threats rapidly using multi-sensor fusion and effector-agnostic systems.
This article is based on an official press release from Lockheed Martin and Microsoft.
On December 10, 2025, defense prime Lockheed Martin and technology giant Microsoft announced a strategic collaboration to launch “Sanctum,” a next-generation counter-unmanned aerial system (C-UAS). The new platform integrates Lockheed Martin’s established military command-and-control capabilities with Microsoft’s Azure cloud and artificial intelligence technologies.
According to the joint announcement, Sanctum is designed to address the rapidly evolving threat landscape where cheap, autonomous drones and complex swarms often outpace traditional defense procurement cycles. By leveraging a hybrid cloud and edge architecture, the system aims to detect, track, and neutralize threats ranging from single hobbyist drones to coordinated autonomous attacks.
Sanctum represents a shift from hardware-centric defense to an open-architecture software ecosystem. The system utilizes a “digital backbone” built on Microsoft Azure, incorporating services such as Azure IoT Hub for device telemetry, Azure Synapse for analytics, and Azure AI Foundry for model management.
The companies state that this infrastructure allows for multi-sensor fusion, ingesting data from Radio Frequency (RF) sensors, Electro-Optical/Infrared (EO/IR) cameras, and radars to generate a unified picture of the airspace. A key differentiator highlighted in the press release is the speed of adaptation. While traditional systems may require months for upgrades, Sanctum is designed to allow for AI model retraining in the cloud.
“By co-developing Sanctum with Lockheed Martin on Azure, we’re bringing cloud and AI together from headquarters to the tactical edge.”
, John Shewchuk, CVP at Microsoft
If a new drone threat signature is identified, data can be transmitted to the cloud where the model is retrained. The update is then pushed back to the tactical edge in minutes or hours, rather than weeks or months.
Lockheed Martin describes Sanctum as “effector-agnostic,” meaning it can coordinate various defensive measures depending on the specific threat profile. The system is built to manage a layered defense that includes: The announcement confirmed a key integration with IPG Photonics’ CROSSBOW, a high-energy laser system. Sanctum has reportedly been demonstrated controlling this laser to neutralize drone threats, validating its ability to manage directed energy weapons alongside traditional kinetic effectors.
The collaboration addresses a critical economic and tactical gap in modern air defense: the asymmetry between inexpensive offensive drones and costly defensive missiles. Paul Lemmo, Vice President at Lockheed Martin, emphasized the necessity of this technological convergence.
“Collaborating with Microsoft brings the best of defense and digital innovation… giving our customers a decisive edge against evolving drone threats.”
, Paul Lemmo, VP at Lockheed Martin
The system also supports Lockheed’s existing sensor portfolio, including the Q-53 Multi-Mission Radar, while maintaining interoperability with third-party sensors. This “single pane of glass” approach aims to reduce the cognitive load on operators who previously had to monitor multiple screens for different detection systems.
The Shift to Software-Defined Defense
The launch of Sanctum signals a definitive response from traditional defense primes to the rise of “software-first” defense startups. Companies like Anduril Industries have gained significant market traction with their Lattice OS, which similarly promises an open, hardware-agnostic operating system for defense.
By partnering with Microsoft, Lockheed Martin is effectively outsourcing the cloud infrastructure layer to a commercial tech giant, allowing it to focus on its core competency: weapons integration and military logistics. This move acknowledges that in the era of AI warfare, the speed of software updates is as critical as the range of a missile.
Furthermore, the industry landscape is becoming increasingly complex. While Lockheed Martin competes with Anduril’s software solutions, they also partner with them on hardware integrations, such as linking the Q-53 radar with Lattice. This “frenemy” dynamic suggests that the future of air defense will rely on modular, interoperable ecosystems rather than closed, proprietary stacks.
What is the primary function of Sanctum? How does Sanctum differ from traditional air defense? What weapons does Sanctum control?
Lockheed Martin and Microsoft Unveil “Sanctum”: A Cloud-Native Defense Against Drones Swarms
The “Sanctum” Architecture
Effector-Agnostic Capabilities
Strategic Context and Market Impact
AirPro News Analysis
Frequently Asked Questions
Sanctum is a command-and-control software platform that detects, identifies, and neutralizes drone threats by coordinating sensors and weapons systems through a cloud-based interface.
Unlike static hardware systems, Sanctum uses AI and cloud connectivity to retrain its threat detection models in near real-time, allowing it to adapt to new drone tactics in hours rather than months.
It is effector-agnostic, capable of controlling kinetic interceptors, electronic jammers, and directed energy weapons like the IPG Photonics CROSSBOW laser.
Sources
Photo Credit: Lockheed Martin
Defense & Military
France Confirms Next-Generation Nuclear Aircraft Carrier Program
France will build the PANG, a new nuclear-powered aircraft carrier to replace Charles de Gaulle by 2038, featuring EMALS and advanced fighters.
This article summarizes reporting by Reuters.
French President Emmanuel Macron has officially confirmed that France will proceed with the construction of a new nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, intended to replace the aging Charles de Gaulle by 2038. Speaking to French troops stationed in Abu Dhabi on Sunday, December 21, Macron outlined the decision as a critical step in maintaining France’s status as a global maritime power.
According to reporting by Reuters, the President emphasized the necessity of naval strength in an increasingly volatile world. The announcement, made from a strategic military base in the United Arab Emirates, underscores Paris’s commitment to projecting power beyond Europe, particularly into the Indo-Pacific region.
The new vessel, known as the Porte-Avions de Nouvelle Génération (PANG), represents a significant technological and industrial undertaking. It aims to ensure France remains the only European Union nation capable of deploying a nuclear carrier strike group, a capability central to Macron’s vision of European “strategic autonomy.”
The PANG program calls for a vessel that will significantly outclass its predecessor in size, power, and capability. While the Charles de Gaulle displaces approximately 42,500 tonnes, defense reports indicate the new carrier will be the largest warship ever built in Europe.
Based on technical data cited by naval analysts and French media, the new carrier is expected to displace between 75,000 and 80,000 tonnes and measure over 300 meters in length. It will be powered by two K22 nuclear reactors, providing nearly double the power output of the current fleet’s propulsion systems.
A key feature of the new design is the integration of the Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System (EMALS), technology currently used by the U.S. Navy’s Gerald R. Ford-class carriers. This system replaces traditional steam catapults, allowing for the launch of heavier Military-Aircraft and Drones while reducing mechanical stress on the airframes.
The air wing is expected to include: “The decision to launch this vast programme was taken this week,” Macron told troops, highlighting the strategic urgency of the project.
The choice of Abu Dhabi for this major announcement was likely calculated. The UAE hosts a permanent French naval base, serving as a logistical hub for operations in the Indian Ocean and the Persian Gulf. By unveiling the PANG program here, Paris is signaling its intent to protect its extensive Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) in the Indo-Pacific and counter growing naval competition in the region.
The ambitious project comes at a time of significant domestic financial strain. Reports estimate the program’s cost will exceed €10 billion ($10.5 billion). With France facing a projected public deficit of over 6% of GDP in 2025 and a minority government navigating a hung parliament, the allocation of such vast funds has drawn criticism from opposition parties.
Critics argue the funds could be better utilized for social services or debt reduction. However, supporters and industry stakeholders note that the project will sustain thousands of jobs at major defense contractors like Naval Group and Chantiers de l’Atlantique, as well as hundreds of smaller suppliers.
The Paradox of Autonomy: While President Macron champions “strategic autonomy,” the ability for Europe to act independently of the United States, the PANG program reveals the practical limits of this doctrine. By adopting the U.S.-designed EMALS catapult system, the French Navy ensures interoperability with American supercarriers but also cements a long-term technological dependence on U.S. suppliers. This decision suggests that while France seeks political independence, it recognizes that high-end naval warfare requires deep technical integration with its NATO allies.
When will the new carrier enter service? Why is France choosing nuclear Propulsion? How much will the project cost? Will other European nations use this carrier? Sources: Reuters
France Confirms Launch of Next-Generation Nuclear Aircraft Carrier Program
A New Giant of the Seas
Technical Specifications and Capabilities
Strategic Context and Geopolitical Signals
Budgetary and Political Headwinds
AirPro News Analysis
Frequently Asked Questions
Construction is slated to begin around 2031, with sea trials expected in 2036. The vessel is scheduled to be fully commissioned by 2038, coinciding with the retirement of the Charles de Gaulle.
Nuclear propulsion offers unlimited range and the ability to sustain high speeds for long durations without refueling. It also allows the ship to generate the massive amounts of electricity required for next-generation sensors and electromagnetic catapults.
Current estimates place the cost at over €10 billion ($10.5 billion), though complex defense programs often see costs rise during development.
While the carrier is a French national asset, it is designed to support European security. However, it will primarily host French naval aviation, with potential for interoperability with U.S. and allied aircraft.
Photo Credit: U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Bela Chambers
Defense & Military
Firehawk Aerospace Expands Rocket Motor Production in Mississippi Facility
Firehawk Aerospace acquires a DCMA-rated facility in Mississippi to boost production of solid rocket motors using 3D-printing technology.
This article is based on an official press release from Firehawk Aerospace.
On December 19, 2025, Firehawk Aerospace announced a significant expansion of its manufacturing capabilities with the acquisition of a specialized defense facility in Crawford, Mississippi. The Dallas-based defense technology company has secured a 20-year lease on the 636-acre site, which was formerly operated by Nammo Talley.
This acquisition marks a strategic pivot for Firehawk as it moves to address critical shortages in the U.S. defense supply chain. By taking over a facility that is already rated by the Defense Contract Management Agency (DCMA), the company aims to bypass the lengthy construction and certification timelines typically associated with greenfield defense projects. The site will serve as a hub for the full-system integration of solid rocket motors (SRMs), complementing the company’s existing R&D operations in Texas and energetics production in Oklahoma.
The Crawford facility is located in Lowndes County within Mississippi’s “Golden Triangle” region. According to the company’s announcement, the site is a “turnkey” defense asset designed specifically for handling high-grade explosives and munitions. The infrastructure includes assembly bays protected by one-foot-thick concrete walls and safety “blowout” walls designed to contain accidental detonations.
Because the facility was previously used by Nammo Defense Systems for the high-volume assembly of shoulder-launched munitions, such as the M72 LAW and SMAW systems, it retains the necessary regulatory certifications to allow for rapid operational ramp-up. Firehawk Aerospace CEO Will Edwards emphasized the urgency of this expansion in a statement regarding the deal.
“This acquisition strengthens Firehawk’s ability to address one of the nation’s most urgent defense challenges: rebuilding munition inventories that have been drawn down faster than they can be replaced.”
, Will Edwards, Co-founder and CEO of Firehawk Aerospace
The acquisition comes at a time when the Western defense industrial base is grappling with a severe shortage of solid rocket motors, which power critical systems like the Javelin, Stinger, and GMLRS missiles. Traditional manufacturing methods, which involve casting propellant in large batches that take weeks to cure, have created production bottlenecks.
Firehawk Aerospace intends to disrupt this model by utilizing proprietary 3D-printing technology to manufacture propellant grains. According to the press release, this additive manufacturing approach reduces production times from weeks to hours. The company has explicitly stated that the new Mississippi facility is being designed to achieve a production tempo of “thousands of rockets per month,” a significant increase over legacy industry standards. “While the current industrial base is built to produce thousands of rockets per year, we are building this site… to operate at a much higher production tempo… designing for throughput measured in thousands per month, not years.”
, Will Edwards, CEO
The expansion is expected to bring skilled jobs to the Golden Triangle region, which is increasingly becoming a hub for aerospace and defense activity. Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves welcomed the investments, noting the dual benefits of economic growth and national security support.
“Their acquisition in Crawford will bring skilled jobs to the region while directly contributing to the production capacity our nation needs.”
, Tate Reeves, Governor of Mississippi
From R&D to Mass Production: This acquisition signals Firehawk’s transition from a development-focused startup to a volume manufacturer. By securing a pre-rated facility, Firehawk has effectively shaved 2–3 years off its timeline, the period typically required to build and certify a new explosives handling site. This speed is critical given the current geopolitical demand for tactical munitions.
Supply Chain Decentralization: The move also highlights a strategy of decentralization. By distributing operations across Texas (R&D), Oklahoma (Energetics), and now Mississippi (Integration), Firehawk is building a supply chain that may prove more resilient than centralized legacy models. This geographic diversity also allows the company to tap into distinct labor markets and state-level incentives, such as Mississippi’s aerospace initiatives.
What is the significance of the DCMA rating? How does Firehawk’s technology differ from traditional methods? What was the facility used for previously?
Firehawk Aerospace Acquires Mississippi Facility to Scale Rocket Motor Production
Strategic Asset Details
Addressing the “Rocket Motor Crisis”
Regional Economic Impact
AirPro News Analysis
Frequently Asked Questions
A DCMA (Defense Contract Management Agency) rating verifies that a facility meets strict Department of Defense quality and safety standards. Acquiring a pre-rated facility allows Firehawk to begin production much faster than if they had to build and certify a new site from scratch.
Traditional solid rocket motors are cast in large batches, a process that requires weeks for the propellant to cure. Firehawk uses 3D-printing technology to print propellant grains, which allows for custom geometries and reduces the manufacturing time to mere hours.
The facility was formerly operated by Nammo Talley (now Nammo Defense Systems) for the assembly of shoulder-launched munitions, including the M72 LAW and SMAW systems.Sources
Photo Credit: Firehawk Aerospace
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