Morocco is close to finalising a deal with the United States to buy F-35 stealth fighter jets in what would mark a major upgrade for its air force and a significant shift in North Africa’s military balance, Africa Intelligence reported.
Negotiations between Rabat and Washington have entered an advanced stage after Morocco received the necessary clearances under the U.S. legal framework known as the “Israel Qualitative Military Edge,” which requires Washington to maintain Israel’s military superiority in the region.
Israel has not objected to the sale and may offer limited technical cooperation, the report said.
The purchase would give Morocco access to fifth-generation combat aircraft for the first time, adding stealth and real-time battlefield coordination capabilities to its fleet.
The Royal Moroccan Air Force currently operates upgraded F-16s and is pursuing a broader modernisation strategy to expand its deterrence capacity and regional influence.
Analysts said the F-35 acquisition would deepen Rabat’s defence ties with Washington and bolster its position as a key U.S. ally in North Africa. It would also reinforce Morocco’s advantage over neighbouring Algeria, which is negotiating with Moscow to acquire Su-57 jets.
In Europe, the plan has drawn close attention from Spain, which is modernising its own fleet with Eurofighter Typhoon jets and participating in the Franco-German-led Future Combat Air System project.
Spanish media and defence analysts have raised concerns that Morocco’s introduction of the F-35 could alter the regional balance of power in the western Mediterranean.
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