Morocco set to acquire U.S. Stealth Fighter Jets, F-35

Morocco, one of U.S. major strategic partners & allies, is set to acquire F-35A fighter jets, becoming the first Arab and African nation to receive such a leading stealth fighter, equipped with most advanced sensors and supersonic speed.

According to “Timesaerospace” media outlet, Morocco’s acquisition of these most lethal, survivable, and connected fighter aircraft will consolidate further the Kingdom’s airpower superiority in the region and enhance its deterrence capabilities.

Morocco’s partnership with Lockheed Martin company, the manufacturer of the 5th generation of F-35, dates back to 1974 when the U.S. defense contractor delivered the first C-130H Hercules tactical airlifter to the Royal Moroccan Air Force.

Today, the company supplies the Kingdom with advanced defense platforms such as the F-16 Fighting Falcon, Sikorsky helicopters, radars, and integrated air and missile defense technologies.

In 2022, the company helped establish the Maintenance Aero Maroc (MAM) joint venture to provide Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) services for Morocco and regional operators of F-16 and C-130H fleets, further solidifying its long-term commitment to the Kingdom’s defense capabilities.

In April, a Lockheed Martin delegation visited Morocco and showed interest in the country’s investment opportunities offered in the defense industry which has attracted several companies including India’s Tata Advanced Systems, Turkish Baykar, Bluebird Company…

The visit was in line with Lockheed Martin’s broader strategy to further integrate Morocco into its global supply chain and enhance local manufacturing capabilities.

Morocco is also expected to receive two intelligence surveillance and reconnaissance Gulfstream 550s aircraft to bolster its ISR capabilities, crucial for military operations and national security.