Morocco is currently grappling with significant challenges in acquiring 30 Mirage 2000-9 fighter jets, a deal made with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in 2024. The geopolitical landscape has become increasingly complex due to the ongoing tensions related to the U.S. military operations against Iran, which have indirectly impacted Morocco's defense procurement strategies. The situation is further complicated by Algeria's recent transition to advanced Russian-made aircraft, including the Su-57, Su-34, and Su-35, as highlighted by Infodefensa and referenced from Intelligence Africa's publication data.
According to reports, Morocco and the UAE had allegedly reached an agreement in 2025 to facilitate the transfer of these jets, with France acting as a mediator. This agreement was viewed as a crucial step in enhancing military cooperation between Morocco and the UAE. However, as of February 2026, the anticipated delivery of these Mirage aircraft has yet to materialize. In early February, UAE military authorities reassessed their needs, ultimately deciding that they required the 30 Mirage 2000-9 fighters for their own operations more urgently. Consequently, these jets remain in an elevated state of readiness at the Emirati El Dhafra airbase.
Moreover, the delay in delivering the Mirage jets can be attributed to underlying tensions between the UAE and France over the financing of Rafale F5 upgrades and potential hold-ups in the delivery of an additional 80 Rafale F4 aircraft that have been contracted. This situation raises questions about whether Morocco can still expect to receive the Mirage 2000-9 aircraft and, if so, when that delivery might take place. The complexities are compounded by the additional delay in the arrival of 25 new F-16 Block 70 fighters from the United States, also contracted in 2024, further straining Morocco's defense capabilities.
It is noteworthy that in October 2025, information surfaced regarding Algeria's order for 12 Su-57E aircraft and 14 Su-34 aircraft from Russia. Additionally, reports in March 2025 indicated that at least one Su-35 had been delivered to Algeria, although further developments in this area are still unclear. The evolving military dynamics in the region signify a challenging period for Morocco as it navigates these procurement hurdles while facing a shifting balance of power in North Africa.
As reported by en.defence-ua.com.
