Morocco, US showcase defense cooperation ties as aircraft carrier visits

Morocco and the US are projecting power in favor of regional peace and stability, sending a strong deterrence message to the sponsors of terrorism and separatism in North Africa and the wider Sahel.

As the mighty aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman docks off Al Hoceima in Morocco’s Mediterranean waters, two B-52 Stratofortress strategic bombers took off from their base in the UK to participate in exercises in Moroccan skies with fighter jets of the Royal Air Force.

The two events are reflective of closer military cooperation ties between the US and Morocco to demonstrate readiness to counter all sorts of state and non-state threats to regional stability.

Morocco and the US have been holding the largest military drills in the continent: The African Lion, which brings together troops from both countries as well as allies to enhance interoperability and foster joint capabilities against all sorts of threats.

Morocco, which has the status of a major non-NATO ally for Washington, is the largest purchaser of US military equipment in Africa, including advanced aircrafts such as F16 and Apache helicopters.

In 2020, the U.S. and Morocco signed a 10-year defense cooperation roadmap, extending their collaborative efforts through 2030. This roadmap aims to enhance defense cooperation, forge robust partnerships, and ensure interoperability between the two nations.