Morocco to host planned US drone training center for African forces

The United States is planning to set up a drone training center in Morocco as part of a broader push to strengthen security cooperation across Africa.

The announcement came during the African Land Forces Summit, held March 23-24 in Rome, where more than 300 participants from 47 countries gathered to talk about security challenges and new technology.

The drone training center announcement came from Gen. Christopher Donahue, commander of U.S. Army Europe and Africa, who outlined plans to expand drone training on the continent, starting with Morocco.

As part of the upcoming African Lion military exercises in April and May, a small group of about 16 participants will take part in a drone training program in countries including Morocco, Ghana, Senegal and Tunisia.

The Morocco-based center would build on that effort and could become a hub for training drone operators from across Africa. U.S. officials say the long-term goal is to create similar centers in other regions.

“It is about a sustainable, enduring capability,” Donahue said. “Once we prove its effectiveness, we can take it to other parts of Africa.”

He described the future center as  a place where countries can share ideas, learn from each other and find practical solutions to security threats.

“That is what we’re going to start in Morocco,” he said.

Technology, especially drones, was a big focus throughout the two-day event. Nigerian Maj. Gen. Saidu Audu said unmanned aerial vehicles have already proven essential in tracking armed groups and gathering intelligence in the Lake Chad Basin.

His force, a regional coalition fighting terrorism, recently received drones from the European Union along with training for operators and maintenance crews.

In closing remarks, Lt. Gen. John W. Brennan Jr. of U.S. Africa Command said the fast pace of technological change means countries must adapt quickly or risk falling behind.