Morocco is actively seeking to modernize its air force by replacing its aging fleet of training and light combat aircraft. Currently, the Royal Moroccan Air Force operates a total of twenty-five F-5 Tiger II fighters and twenty-two Alphajet training aircraft, both of which are considered outdated. The nation is now evaluating two potential replacements: the M346 "Master" from Italian aerospace manufacturer Leonardo and the South Korean F/A-50 "Golden Eagle" produced by Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI).
During the recent Marrakech Air Show held from October 7 to 10, KAI underscored its commitment to the Moroccan market by signing a memorandum of understanding with SABCA Morocco and Maintenance Aéro Maroc (MAM). This agreement aims to foster industrial and commercial cooperation as Morocco looks to renew its fleet of training aircraft. Local media reports indicate that both Moroccan companies possess complementary expertise, with MAM focusing on military aircraft maintenance and modernization, while SABCA Morocco specializes in the assembly of aerospace structures.
Furthermore, KAI has been signaling its interest in the Moroccan market for several months. At the World Defense Show in Riyadh earlier this year, discussions regarding the F/A-50 took place between KAI representatives and Moroccan officials. Reports from specialized Korean media outlets have suggested that Morocco is keen on the F/A-50 as a suitable option for modernizing its air capabilities, which are currently reliant on older aircraft.
Additional indications of Morocco's interest in the F/A-50 were evident during the Marrakech Air Show when Abdellatif Loudiyi, the Minister Delegate for National Defense Administration, along with high-ranking officials from the Royal Moroccan Air Force, visited KAI's exhibition stand. The choice of the F/A-50, or its variant T-50, appears to align strategically with Morocco's ongoing implementation of the F-16C/D Block 52+ and the upcoming F-16 Block 70 "Viper" fighters, as the F/A-50 would complement these supersonic aircraft. Notably, the F/A-50 can be equipped with an active electronically scanned array radar derived from the AN/APG-83 model, which is also utilized in American-made fighter-bombers.
Moreover, the F/A-50 would provide the Royal Moroccan Air Force with a versatile training aircraft capable of undertaking support missions, similar to the current role of the Alphajet. Meanwhile, Leonardo emphasizes the advanced training capabilities of its M346 "Master" model for future fighter pilots.
As of now, the Moroccan Ministry of Defense has not disclosed any timeline or specific details regarding the potential order of new aircraft. The modernization of Morocco's air fleet remains a significant focus as the nation seeks to enhance its aerial capabilities and operational readiness.
As reported by opex360.com.
