During the military exercise "African Lion 26," Moroccan F-16s flew in coordination with American B-52 bombers, marking a significant test of collaboration between the two air forces under real operational conditions. This exercise took place over Cape Draa in southwestern Morocco at the end of April, featuring two B-52H long-range bombers from the US Air Force in conjunction with four F-16 jets from the Royal Moroccan Air Force.
The B-52H Stratofortress has been in service since the early 1960s and has undergone several technical upgrades over the years. Notably, its strength lies in its extensive range of over 14,000 kilometers and its ability to carry substantial payloads. In contrast, the F-16s utilized by the Moroccan Air Force are designed for tactical air-to-air combat and precise ground target strikes, highlighting the distinct capabilities of each aircraft.
In 2019, Morocco and the United States signed two contracts totaling more than $4.8 billion. These agreements included the procurement of 25 new F-16V Block 70/72 aircraft, the latest variant of this fighter jet, as well as upgrades for the existing 23 F-16s to the same standard. Enhancements include a new AESA radar, a fully digitized cockpit, and improved electronic warfare systems, ensuring that the Moroccan fleet is equipped with cutting-edge technology.
Coordinating the B-52s and F-16s in this joint mission necessitated compatible communication systems and operational procedures, according to the forces involved. "Their visible presence over Morocco, in conjunction with the Royal Moroccan Air Force's fighter jets, signals credible deterrence and reaffirms the United States’ commitment to regional security," stated General Dagvin Anderson, Commander of the US Africa Command.
However, the exercise was not limited to the flyover of the B-52s. For the first time in Morocco, a training course for Joint Terminal Attack Controllers (JTAC) is taking place. JTACs are soldiers who coordinate the use of attack aircraft and airstrikes from forward combat positions. "The first JTAC qualification course is training Moroccan recruits to direct fighter jets, artillery, and naval gunfire from forward positions," explained Master Sergeant Therron Bundick from the US Air Force, who leads the weapons and tactics department. "These controllers are authorized to call in airstrikes, ensure their accuracy, avoid friendly fire, and minimize collateral damage."
Military personnel from Morocco, Hungary, Canada, and the United States were present for the flyover, enhancing the multinational aspect of the training. In addition to US soldiers, troops from Canada, Hungary, and Morocco participated in the exercise, which also featured Moroccan Puma helicopters integrated into the scenario.
The flyover was part of the "African Lion 26" exercise, a multinational military drill led by the US Africa Command, taking place from April 20 to May 8, 2026, across Ghana, Morocco, Senegal, and Tunisia, with approximately 5,600 soldiers involved. Such allied exercises aim to ensure that, despite differing communication protocols, tactics, and decision-making processes, joint operations can be effectively executed.
As reported by flugrevue.de.
