Morocco could disrupt the balance of power with its future F-35s

During this official mission aimed at strengthening military cooperation between Morocco and the United States, Mohammed Gadih exchanged with his American counterpart, General David Allvin, Chief of the US Air Force. The two senior officers discussed issues of common interest, reported the daily Al Ahdath Al Maghribia. The meeting was "fruitful", the American general said in a post on X, hailing Morocco’s central role in strengthening regional security and stability and underlining the strategic importance of the Kingdom in American foreign policy.

According to observers, the purchase of the F-35s by Morocco was undoubtedly at the heart of the discussions in Washington, given the composition of the Moroccan delegation led by General Gadih, who was accompanied by the head of the fourth office, in charge of procurement and equipment, as well as several senior officers of the Moroccan air force. Specialized websites had reported that the US Congress was preparing to approve the sale to Morocco of 32 fifth-generation stealthy F-35 aircraft, making the Kingdom the first Arab and African state to possess a fleet of this model.

Morocco is said to have already obtained the necessary authorizations from the Pentagon for this purpose. With this acquisition, Morocco aims to modernize its Royal Air Force and maintain its position as a regional power. The purchase of the F-35s by the Moroccan army will undoubtedly alter the balance of power in the Mediterranean. Morocco has ordered 32 F-35s for an estimated amount of $17 billion. The contract includes the purchase, protection and maintenance of these stealthy aircraft over a period of 45 years.

These fighters, equipped with significant firepower and a wide range of action, can carry out both air-to-air, ground attack and electronic warfare missions, and carry air-to-air missiles and guided weapons inside internal bays to preserve their stealth.