Morocco edges closer to historic F-35 acquisition in $17 billion deal

Recent reports indicate Morocco may become the first Arab and African nation to acquire the F-35 stealth fighter jet. The potential $17 billion deal, which would span 45 years for procurement and maintenance, has gained momentum following renewed diplomatic engagement from Washington.

The development aligns with strengthening US-Morocco military ties, as evidenced by a February 11 conversation between General Charles Brown and Lieutenant General Mohammed Berrid. Multiple sources suggest Morocco will receive official documentation from Israel and the Pentagon in the coming months, confirming the acquisition of 32 F-35 stealth fighter aircraft.

Morocco's pursuit of the F-35 dates back to 2020 when the country sought Israel's assistance in navigating political and administrative barriers with US authorities. A pivotal meeting in November 2021 between then-Israeli Defense Minister Benny Gantz and Moroccan Defense Minister Abdellatif Loudiyi advanced these negotiations.

The F-35, developed by Lockheed Martin, represents cutting-edge fighter jet technology with three variants: the F-35A for conventional takeoff and landing, the F-35B for short takeoff and vertical landing, and the F-35C for carrier operations. Powered by the Pratt & Whitney F135 engine, the aircraft reaches speeds exceeding Mach 1.6 and maintains a combat radius of approximately 669 nautical miles.

The potential acquisition occurs amid escalating regional tensions, particularly with Algeria over the Western Sahara dispute. Algeria recently confirmed its acquisition of Russian fifth-generation Su-57 fighter jets, with Algerian military personnel currently training in Russia.

If the deal proceeds, Morocco would operate a larger F-35 fleet than several NATO allies, including Spain, Portugal, Singapore, Romania, Czech Republic, Greece, and Denmark. This acquisition aligns with Morocco's broader defense enhancement strategy, supported by its increased 2025 defense budget of $13 billion.

The F-35 was showcased at the 7th Marrakech Air Show in late 2024, where Morocco also displayed its first Boeing AH-64E Apache helicopter, part of a 24-unit order currently in production. The acquisition could represent a significant shift in Morocco's strategic alignment with the United States and Israel, following the 2020 Abraham Accords.

While awaiting official confirmation, this historic military acquisition could significantly alter the regional military balance, marking Morocco's emergence as a major military power in North Africa and the Arab world.