In a remarkable demonstration of military collaboration, two F-35A Lightning II fighter jets from the United States Air Force soared through the skies above Marrakech on Wednesday, marking the inaugural event of the Marrakech Airshow 2026. This significant occasion highlights the robust and enduring military and aviation partnership between the United States and Morocco, which has developed over decades of shared interests and mutual cooperation.
Taking place at the Royal Moroccan Air Force base from October 7 to 10, the airshow features a substantial American presence, including a delegation of 45 military personnel from the US Department of War. The showcase includes not only the two F-35As from the 48th Fighter Wing stationed at RAF Lakenheath in the UK but also an HC-130J Super Hercules from the 176th Wing at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Alaska and a KC-135 Stratotanker from the Utah Air National Guard, both displayed on the ground.
The exhibition of the F-35As is especially significant, given the historical context of the US-Morocco air partnership, which has primarily revolved around the F-16 Fighting Falcon and C-130 Hercules platforms. Morocco's fleet of F-16s serves as a crucial component of the Royal Moroccan Air Force's combat capabilities, routinely engaging in exercises and operations alongside US forces, thereby enhancing interoperability and operational effectiveness between the two nations.
Brigadier General Matthew French, who serves as the Deputy Air National Guard Advisor to the Commander of US Air Forces in Europe and Africa, expressed his pride in participating in this event, particularly as the two nations approach the 250th anniversary of the US-Morocco Alliance. He stated, “Hosted by the United States’ oldest ally, this forum perfectly illustrates our objective: building strong and enduring allied and partner forces capable of responding to an ever-changing security environment.” His remarks underscored the importance of mutual cooperation in enhancing the individual and collective capabilities of both countries.
US Ambassador to Morocco, Duke Buchan III, echoed this sentiment, reaffirming Washington's commitment to Morocco and the ongoing efforts to enhance air and aerospace capabilities. He emphasized the long-standing operational history between the two nations, highlighting how they have been “flying side by side” for decades, from pilot training programs to increasingly sophisticated joint operations.
This military partnership is rooted in one of the world's oldest bilateral relationships, dating back to when Morocco was the first nation to recognize the independence of the United States and to establish diplomatic relations with the fledgling American republic. Nearly 250 years later, the partnership between Washington and Rabat remains anchored in shared values of peace, security, and regional prosperity, a relationship that was once again prominently displayed in the skies over Marrakech.
As reported by medafricatimes.com.
