Moroccan and French armed forces have begun joint military exercises dubbed “Charqi 2025” near Errachidia in southeastern Morocco, aiming to boost operational readiness and strengthen strategic defense cooperation between the two allies, according to a statement from the French Army.
The drills, which started last week, simulate a scenario involving an attack on Morocco’s territorial integrity, reflecting both nations’ commitment to interoperability and joint preparedness in complex desert environments, the French Ministry of Armed Forces said in an official release.
The French contingent includes units from the 5th Combat Helicopter Regiment (5e RHC), the 1st Chasseur Regiment (1er RC), the 1st Rifle Regiment (1er RT), and a command unit from the 4th Combat Aviation Brigade (4e BAC), training alongside elements of the Royal Moroccan Armed Forces (FAR).
The exercise is structured around two main components: a command post exercise focused on joint operational planning and coordination, and a field exercise involving air-ground tactical maneuvers. Military equipment used during the drills includes Morocco’s M1A2 Abrams tanks and Gazelle helicopters, alongside France’s Tiger and NH90 helicopters, operating under realistic and demanding conditions.
According to the French Ministry, “Charqi 2025 goes beyond the operational dimension, serving as a testament to the strength of the Franco-Moroccan strategic partnership. It seeks to enhance interoperability, develop tactical and technical expertise, and address regional security challenges amid an increasingly unstable international context.”
The drills, however, have reignited tensions with neighboring Algeria, which expressed strong opposition earlier this year. In March, Algeria’s Foreign Ministry summoned the French ambassador to protest the planned exercises near its border, describing them as a “provocative act against Algeria.”
Algeria warned that such maneuvers would “further inflame the crisis” in its relations with France and “escalate tensions to a new level of danger.”
Political analysts told Hespress AR that Algeria’s reaction fits within a broader strategy to undermine Morocco-France rapprochement, particularly following Paris’ backing of Morocco’s sovereignty over the Sahara. They argue that the Algerian government is using the issue to stoke internal nationalism and justify increased military spending and the central role of the army in domestic politics.
Experts added that the “Charqi 2025” drills underscore a new phase of defense cooperation between Morocco and France, highlighting Rabat’s growing role as a regional security partner and reaffirming the two nations’ alignment on stability and counterterrorism efforts in North and West Africa.
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