Facing the Algerian Sukhois, Morocco aims for the American F-35, the "jewel" of aviation

The agreement, estimated at around $17 billion, would make Morocco the first Arab and African state to possess this cutting-edge aircraft, designed to evade radar detection. Rabat’s interest in the F-35 aims to respond to the influence of Algeria, which has strengthened its fleet with Russian Sukhoi fighters, according to El Dia. While the F-35 offers a lower payload capacity than some Russian models, its strategic assets (stealth technology, state-of-the-art sensors) are considered decisive in modern conflicts.

This interest in the F-35 is part of a broader strategy of military reinforcement, supported by a historic increase in the defense budget. The 2026 finance bill provides for a 17.77% increase in financial commitments for the Defense Administration (14.7 billion euros). The actual expenditure for 2026 would reach 5.1 billion euros, or about 3.4% of Moroccan GDP, a figure well above the European average (1.9%).

Spain renounces the F-35, prioritizing the European industry

Morocco is not the only country to have been interested in the American fighter. Spain has also considered its acquisition, before the central government decided in August to set aside this purchase. Madrid has chosen to prioritize investment in the future European fighter (FCAS), scheduled for 2040.

By renouncing the F-35, Spain seems to be turning to the Turkish fifth-generation fighter, the Kaan, although the latter is considered a technically inferior option. The "fever" for the F-35 also affects Saudi Arabia, which could acquire 48 of them to modernize its own fleet in a volatile regional context.