Morocco is reportedly close to finalizing a multibillion-dollar deal to acquire 32 F-35 Lightning II stealth fighter jets from U.S. defense contractor Lockheed Martin, according to a report by Africa Military, a website specializing in African defense and military affairs.
If completed, the purchase would make Morocco the first Arab and African country to operate the fifth-generation F-35 platform, marking a significant leap in its military capabilities.
The report suggests that the deal, which hinges on Israeli approval due to the sensitive nature of the technology involved, could be worth up to $17 billion over a 45-year period. This figure includes not only the cost of the aircraft but also maintenance, support, and training.
The F-35 Lightning II is renowned for its stealth capabilities, advanced electronics, and powerful engines. It can reach speeds of over Mach 1.6 and has a combat range of approximately 669 nautical miles, although this may vary by model.
According to Africa Military, Lockheed Martin representatives presented a detailed proposal to Moroccan military officials during the recent IDEX defense expo in Abu Dhabi.
The integration of the F-35 with Morocco’s existing fleet of F-16s, through NATO-standard joint training protocols, could enable the country to achieve full operational readiness by 2035.
Regional Implications and Arms Race Fears
The report notes that Morocco’s move has unsettled regional rivals, particularly Algeria, which sees the acquisition as a direct threat to its current air superiority.
In response, Algiers is preparing to purchase Russian-made Su-57 Felon stealth fighters, potentially becoming the first export customer for the aircraft.
Algeria has already placed orders for 14 Su-57s and 18 Su-35s to bolster its existing Su-30MKA fleet, with deliveries and pilot training expected to begin this year.
While the Su-57 also features stealth technology, high maneuverability, and advanced avionics, Algeria’s military integration pace reportedly lags behind Morocco’s more streamlined approach, especially given Rabat’s close defense ties with the United States and Israel. Meanwhile, Algeria remains aligned with its traditional defense partner, Russia.
The diverging procurement strategies reflect broader geopolitical rifts, with implications beyond military hardware. Analysts suggest that Morocco’s potential F-35 acquisition could further isolate Algeria diplomatically and shift the strategic balance in the Sahara conflict, potentially enabling more precise operations that circumvent traditional defense systems.
Mediterranean Security Concerns
The deal has raised concerns in Europe as well. The report warns that Morocco’s access to high-end U.S. technology could have ripple effects across the Mediterranean, possibly impacting Spain and other regional actors. This dynamic may trigger a renewed arms race in an already volatile region.
Other North African countries are also watching closely. Egypt, for instance, is reportedly exploring Chinese alternatives such as the J-10C and J-31 stealth fighters as tensions with Washington grow.
The J-10C is considered a fourth-generation “plus” fighter, while the J-31 represents China’s entry into fifth-generation aircraft, potentially allowing Egypt to modernize its air force by replacing older American platforms.
Strategic Shifts Ahead
The report concludes that North Africa’s top three militaries, Morocco, Algeria, and Egypt, are entering a new era of strategic competition, with global implications.
As these countries acquire increasingly advanced technologies, questions are being raised about regional stability, shifting alliances, and the future architecture of Mediterranean and African security.
“Morocco’s potential acquisition of the F-35 would not only bolster the country’s national defense,” the report states, “but could also redefine military alliances, fuel regional arms races, and test the fragile balance of power that has long shaped security dynamics across North Africa and the Mediterranean.”
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