Moroccan Forces Train with US on Advanced Himars Artillery in African Lion Exercise

Moroccan soldiers participated in technical training led by their American counterparts from the 3rd Battalion of the 197th Field Artillery Regiment (197th FAR), attached to the New Hampshire National Guard (Nharng). These maneuvers took place in the semi-desert area of Cap Drâa and are part of an expanded tactical cooperation program aimed at strengthening the Moroccan armed forces’ capabilities to engage in high-precision strikes in the event of armed conflict.

"We are focused on imparting not only mastery of procedures, but also a deep understanding of the operational logic specific to Himars," an American officer involved in the operation told Barlamane. "This training allows us to integrate sophisticated systems into our engagement doctrine while working side by side with our transatlantic partners," said a FAR executive, adding that these joint exercises constitute "a foundation of credibility for regional forces capable of operating in coalition."

The Himars (High Mobility Artillery Rocket System) is a lightweight wheeled vehicle that moves quickly over long distances. It is capable of delivering very long-range strikes with metric precision. Compatible with GMLRS (Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System) guided rockets and Atacms (Army Tactical Missile System) tactical ballistic missiles, Himars has established itself as a formidable weapon in conventional or asymmetric armed conflicts. It can be transferred to a theater by C-130 transport aircraft.

More than 10,000 soldiers from 50 states, including seven member countries of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), are participating in African Lion 2025, jointly organized by the United States Africa Command (Africom) and the Moroccan Royal Armed Forces. High-intensity conflict simulation exercises are on the menu for this edition, in which land, air, naval, and cyber units are taking part. Participants’ capabilities will also be strengthened in terms of multinational coordination in command and intelligence.