U.S. Air Force B-52H Bombers Enhance Moroccan Military Training
As part of the multinational exercise African Lion 26, the United States Air Force deployed its B-52H Stratofortress bombers to support Morocco's inaugural advanced air controller (JTAC) training course. This significant collaboration saw American bombers working alongside Moroccan F-16 Fighting Falcon fighter-bombers, contributing to the local personnel's training and operational readiness.
This advanced JTAC qualification course equipped members of the Moroccan Armed Forces with essential tactics, techniques, and procedures necessary for directing combat aircraft, artillery fire, and naval strikes. According to Sergeant Major Therron Bundick, Chief of Weapons and Tactics for the 165th Air Support Operations Squadron, these controllers are authorized to greenlight airstrikes, ensuring accuracy while minimizing friendly fire incidents and collateral damage.
Strengthening Interoperability Among Allies
The presence of the U.S. B-52H strategic bombers during this event marked a notable highlight, as these bombers regularly conduct joint security cooperation operations with allies and partners. This showcases the credibility and adaptability of U.S. forces in the face of today's complex, dynamic, and unpredictable global security environment, as detailed by U.S. Africa Command in their announcement.
For the African Lion 26 exercise, the U.S. provided various specialized units focused on close air support, including the 165th Air Support Operations Squadron (ASOS), Detachment 1 of the 2nd ASOS, and the 3rd Naval and Air Fire Liaison Company from the Marine Corps. Sergeant Major Bundick emphasized that Morocco's first advanced air controller qualification course represents a historic milestone in advancing allied interoperability. The involvement of the U.S. guarantees a rigorous training environment that lays a solid foundation for the future of the program.
This initiative is a significant achievement for the Moroccan Armed Forces, as it sets a precedent for developing joint fire coordination capabilities. Furthermore, it is a crucial step toward establishing a standardized and internationally interoperable JTAC capability, aligned with modern coalition warfare requirements.
The American B-52H bombers operated in conjunction with Morocco's Royal Air Force F-16C/D Block 52+ fighters, enabling the JTAC course participants to interact with platforms capable of deploying a wide array of air-to-surface capabilities. This includes everything from conventional and guided bombs to missiles and target designation systems, among others.
As reported by zona-militar.com.
