The African Lion 2026, the largest annual multinational military exercise organized by the United States in Morocco, reflects Moroccan-American commitment to regional security and stability.
“As our nations celebrate 250 years of friendship, this enduring diplomatic and military partnership continues to build capable, interoperable forces and strengthen security across the region,” said U.S. Ambassador to Morocco Duke Buchan.
Approximately 5,000 soldiers from over 40 countries and more than 30 U.S.-based industry partners are participating in this exercise taking place in the Kingdom from April 27 to May 8, 2026.
Organized by U.S. Army, the drills are designed to strengthen the collective security capabilities of the United States, African nations and global allies. The training stress-tests the U.S. joint force and partner nations’ ability to execute rapid deployments and operate under multi-domain threat conditions.
The exercise features a comprehensive suite of training events designed to test the full spectrum of military operations. Training includes multinational academics, command field exercise, combined armed live-fire exercises, chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and explosives training, special operations training, air and maritime operations, and humanitarian civic assistance.
The exercise integrates more than 30 U.S.-based vendors testing emerging capabilities across mission command, deep attack, defense-in-depth and counter-attack systems. Technologies validated include autonomous systems, artificial intelligence-enabled command and control, counter-unmanned aircraft systems, and advanced intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance platforms.
“African Lion 2026 is a critical demonstration of peace through strength in action,” said U.S. General Dagvin Anderson, commander of U.S. Africa Command. “We are working to prevent Islamic terrorists in Africa from using regional safe heavens to strike the U.S. Homeland, and empowering allies and partners to lead efforts to degrade and destroy these organizations.”
The exercise underscores the enduring U.S. commitment to its African partners, reinforcing the necessary coalition network required to deter regional threats.
