The 19th iteration of the African Lion manoeuvres in Morocco officially began today. The military exercise is the biggest of its sort in Africa, with the involvement of over 8,000 soldiers from 20 nations on the continent and abroad, as well as 27 observing countries.
The African Lion manoeuvres between Moroccan and American forces will take place in the Mahbas region of the desert from May until next June, according to the United States Africa Command.
The country’s other regions, including Agadir, TanTan, Tiznit, Kenitra, Benguerir, and Tifnit, will also host the African lion exercise, according to the MAP.
The Moroccan American joint exercise consists of various joint armed operations for land, airborne, marine, aviation, and special forces, as well as formations relevant to many operating areas.
This year’s exercise includes combined arms live fire exercises involving American C-130J Super Hercules, KC-135 Stratotanker, and F-16 Fighting Falcons.
The exercise also includes civil-military operations pertaining to the removal of nuclear, radioactive, biological, and chemical contaminants, according to a statement made by the General Command of the Royal Moroccan Armed Forces in April.
The African Lion is a potent example of the military collaboration between Morocco and the United States. On October 2, 2020, the two nations agreed to a ten-year road map for the field of military defense.
Moroccan and American cooperation seeks to improve military readiness, competences, and force interoperability.
Moreover, Morocco wants to boost cooperation by encouraging collaborative ventures to invest in Morocco’s military industry sector.
The combined exercise seeks to improve defence capabilities and collaboration to confront transnational threats and violent extremist groups, as well as interoperability during crises and operations to strengthen security and stability in the region.
In 2007, Morocco and the US began the African Lion manoeuvres, in which both European and African nations take part. The joint exercise is annually but sometimes occurs more than once a year.
The African Lion exercise is hosted by other nations including Ghana, Senegal, and Tunisia.
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