As of October 8, 2026, Morocco appears increasingly interested in acquiring American F-35A fighter jets, a sentiment that has gained momentum following the unprecedented presence of these stealth aircraft at the Marrakech Airshow 2026. During the event, two F-35A fighters flew over Marrakech as part of the official American participation, confirming their origin from the 48th Wing of the United States Air Force, stationed at Lakenheath Air Base in the UK. This demonstration has sparked renewed discussions regarding Morocco's military capabilities and its potential defense partnerships.
Potential Acquisition of F-35A Fighters
Recent reports, notably from Spanish sources, indicate that Morocco is pursuing the acquisition of 32 F-35 fighters, with an estimated total deal value ranging between $17 billion and $18 billion. This substantial investment would encompass the aircraft themselves, along with necessary equipment, training, and logistical support. La Razón has linked this interest to shifts in U.S. policy concerning Saudi Arabia's acquisition of F-35s, suggesting that such developments could pave the way for other Arab partners, including Morocco, to secure these advanced aircraft.
The figures of 32 aircraft and a budget of $17 billion were initially discussed in 2025 when a Moroccan military delegation, led by Royal Air Force Inspector General General Mohamed Kaddih, engaged in talks in the United States regarding the procurement of F-35 fighters. This proposed budget is intended to cover a 45-year timeline, incorporating purchase, protection, maintenance, and support services. Additionally, the magazine African Aerospace has reiterated these numbers, emphasizing the comprehensive nature of the deal, which would not only include the jets but also maintenance and operational support.
Strategic Military Developments and Industrial Cooperation
The discussions surrounding the F-35 acquisition arise during a period when Morocco is actively modernizing its military fleet. The nation is on the verge of receiving new F-16 Block 72 fighters, alongside a program aimed at upgrading its existing fleet to the F-16V standard, incorporating advanced capabilities such as the APG-83 AESA radar and electronic warfare systems. These aircraft currently form the backbone of Morocco's air combat power.
Lockheed Martin has notably enhanced its presence at the Marrakech Airshow, showcasing not only the F-35A during aerial displays but also providing a model of the F-35 cockpit alongside representations of F-35A, F-16, and C-130J fighters. Furthermore, the company organized an industrial day with Moroccan firms to explore opportunities for integrating local businesses into its global supply chain and ongoing programs. This highlights the significance of industrial collaboration in the F-35 discussion, with Lockheed Martin explicitly expressing its desire to increase Moroccan companies' participation in the global supply chain while developing local skills and capabilities in aircraft maintenance and support.
American military representation at the Marrakech Airshow was also noteworthy, with approximately 45 U.S. military personnel attending alongside the F-35A, HC-130J, and KC-135 aircraft, indicating a robust American involvement in this event.
A pivotal development that has brought Morocco's F-35 interests back into focus is the U.S. State Department's approval in September 2026 for a potential sale to Saudi Arabia of 48 F-35A jets valued at $24.3 billion. Recent reports suggest that this move has opened the door for other Arab allies, including Morocco, to reconsider their potential acquisition of the fighter jets.
This strategic interest is particularly significant in light of regional developments, especially given Algeria's recent introduction of Russian Su-57 fighters into service and the United States' ongoing discussions regarding the supply of F-35s to Saudi Arabia. Should Morocco proceed with the acquisition of the F-35, the Royal Air Force would gain access to enhanced stealth capabilities, surveillance, and information-gathering systems, as well as advanced data-sharing technologies during operations.
Notably, the appearance of the American F-35 in Moroccan skies, alongside Moroccan F-16s, coincides with reports of Morocco's intention to acquire 32 such aircraft, underscoring the special significance of the F-35's presence at the Marrakech Airshow, despite it not constituting a formal announcement of a Moroccan deal.
As reported by defense-arabic.com.
