Agadir Hosts the 22nd Edition of African Lion Exercise
On April 27, 2026, Agadir marked the official commencement of the 22nd edition of the African Lion exercise, a significant multinational military drill. This year, over 5,000 military personnel are participating from around 40 countries, including both observers and active participants, alongside the Royal Moroccan Armed Forces (FAR) and the United States Armed Forces. The exercise, which is co-organized by Moroccan and American forces, will continue until May 8, under the high directives of the King, who serves as the Supreme Commander and Chief of Staff of the Royal Armed Forces.
The launch ceremony took place at the Southern Zone Headquarters in Agadir and was attended by representatives from participating countries. The event was co-chaired by Major General Mohammed Benlouali, who leads the Southern Zone, and Brigadier General Daniel Cederman, Deputy Commander of the U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF). They presented the comprehensive concept of the exercise along with its associated activities for this year's edition.
During his address, Major General Benlouali emphasized that this exercise represents an advanced strategic step in reinforcing the constructive military partnership between the FAR and the U.S. Armed Forces. It aims to enhance operational readiness and improve the performance of military operations, expanding areas of cooperation while refining skills and expertise at various levels and across different specialties.
Brigadier General Cederman echoed this sentiment, noting that partnership is the foundation of the African Lion exercise. He stated that this year's objectives are straightforward: "to increase readiness, enhance interoperability, and improve our ability to execute joint missions in complex environments." He added that they are developing forces capable of responding quickly and effectively to common challenges. The exercise features innovative military maneuvers alongside participants from approximately 40 nations.
Diverse Activities and Training Modules
African Lion 2026 is set to unfold across various locations including Benguérir, Agadir, Tan-Tan, Taroudant, Dakhla, and Tifnit, showcasing a broad spectrum of operational activities. The exercise includes inter-service tactical maneuvers — covering land, sea, and air operations — both during the day and at night. Special forces exercises, airborne operations, and real-time command exercises will also be conducted.
This year’s edition distinguishes itself by expanding into evolving domains such as outer space, electromagnetic warfare, and cyberspace, integrating unmanned aerial systems into the planning and execution of operations. Additionally, training modules focused on combating weapons of mass destruction (WMD) will be incorporated, alongside medical and social initiatives benefiting local populations, including the deployment of a field hospital in the El-Faid region of Taroudant and other humanitarian services planned for Dakhla.
Leading up to the exercise, an academic training cycle commenced on April 20 and will run until April 30, aimed at preparing participants for the different phases of operations. These sessions are designed to enhance familiarity with planning and execution procedures while facilitating the understanding of operational scenarios to be deployed during command exercises and field maneuvers. This initial phase, termed "academics," serves as a preparatory foundation for the exercise and is structured around twenty specialized modules focused on mastering emerging technologies such as unmanned aerial systems, cybersecurity, and satellite operations, all within an inter-service integration framework.
The African Lion 2026 exercise, the largest military drill conducted in Africa, significantly contributes to enhancing operational, technical, and procedural interoperability among the participating armed forces. It remains an essential event where military leaders convene to share procedures and experiences, particularly in combined inter-service training and education. This edition underscores the enduring cooperation between the FAR and the U.S. Armed Forces, reflecting the historical and robust ties between the two nations.
As reported by fr.le360.ma.
