Moroccan pilots to train on Apache helicopters in African Lion 2022

The mighty and offensive Apache helicopters will be deployed during the African Lion 2022, offering a chance for Moroccan pilots to improve their handling of the aircraft, Moroccan media said.

Morocco has previously sent pilots to be trained on handling the helicopter in 2020.

In November 2019, the US State department cleared the sale of36 AH-64E Apache attack helicopters and related equipment for an estimated cost of $4.25 billion.

The twin-engine army attack helicopter, developed by McDonnell Douglas (now Boeing), is used by Egypt, Greece, Israel, the Netherlands, Japan, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates (UAE) and the UK.

The acquisition would seriously tip the balance in favor of Morocco in the regional arms race with Algeria. Morocco operates F16 fighter jets while Algeria relies on Russia’s SU-30.

The African Lion is an annual military exercise bringing Morocco and the US along with friendly armies to improve troop interoperability and enhance readiness.

African Lion 2022 takes place June 20 to 30 in the regions of Agadir, Benguerir, Kenitra, Mahbes, Taroudant and Tantan.