A potential deal for Morocco to acquire U.S.-made F-35 fighter jets could spark fresh tensions with neighboring Algeria, according to a recent report by Times Aerospace.
The report suggests that the acquisition of the advanced Lockheed Martin aircraft would make Morocco the first Arab and African nation to operate the fifth-generation stealth fighter — a move that “could certainly cause Algeria a few headaches” and provoke regional unease.
At the International Defence Exhibition (IDEX) in Abu Dhabi earlier this year, Lockheed Martin reportedly provided Moroccan military officials with a comprehensive briefing on the F-35’s capabilities. Sources cited by Times Aerospaceclaim that if former U.S. President Donald Trump were re-elected, discussions from his first term regarding the sale might resume in earnest.
While U.S. policy has traditionally restricted F-35 sales in the Middle East to Israel, analysts from the Aviation Week Network reported that the potential Moroccan purchase is quietly backed by both U.S. and Israeli officials. Israel has reportedly approved the deal, which is estimated to be worth around $17 billion over 45 years, including procurement and long-term maintenance of 32 jets.
The F-35, often described as the most technologically advanced combat aircraft in history, is capable of flying at over 1,900 kilometers per hour and evading detection by enemy radar. Morocco’s planned fleet would be larger than those of several NATO and non-NATO allies, including Spain, Portugal, Greece, Denmark, Romania, and Singapore, Aviation Week noted.
The proposed acquisition marks another milestone in strengthening U.S.-Morocco military ties. Earlier this year, U.S. Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. Charles Brown reaffirmed the bilateral defense partnership during a call with Gen. Mohamed Berrid, Morocco’s military chief.
The report further suggests that Morocco’s expanding air capabilities may soon outpace those of Algeria, prompting Algiers to seek parity by becoming the first international buyer of Russia’s Sukhoi Su-57 fighter. However, the report notes that Algeria continues to face challenges in integrating its military systems at a level comparable to Morocco’s.
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