The United States and Morocco are preparing a significant expansion of their military partnership under a new 2026–2036 roadmap that emphasizes drone warfare, artificial intelligence and deeper operational integration, according to details from a U.S. planning document cited by Moroccan media.
The plan envisages a shift toward “all-domain” operations, with Morocco set to host a regional drone center of excellence designed to coordinate air, land, sea, cyber and space operations, including drone swarm tactics and counter‑drone systems, the document seen by credible Moroccan media, including Medias24, said.
It also outlines the possible establishment of “cooperative security locations”- light U.S. military sites enabling rapid deployment- and the modernization of Moroccan forces through expanded access to US systems and infrastructure upgrades.
A central element of the roadmap is enhanced interoperability, including integration into advanced data‑sharing systems such as Link‑16, allowing real‑time exchange of battlefield information between Moroccan and U.S. platforms.
The roadmap reflects a broader effort to move from traditional cooperation toward integrated planning and joint execution of operations, particularly in strategic zones such as the Strait of Gibraltar and the Sahel.
The expanding partnership is anchored by African Lion, the largest U.S.-led military exercise in Africa, co‑organized with the Royal Moroccan Armed Forces since 2004. The drills involve thousands of troops from more than 40 countries and cover land, air, maritime and cyber operations.
US officials routinely describe the exercise as a key platform for interoperability and readiness.
Senior US defense officials have also highlighted Morocco’s central role. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth described the kingdom as America’s “top African military partner”, noting its role as host of the continent’s largest multinational exercise.
