Morocco Expands Air Force, Poised to Become Major African Military Power

Morocco is intensifying its arms race. While it has a total of about 284 military aircraft in service, including fighter jets, attack and transport helicopters, training, surveillance and in-flight refueling aircraft, as well as aircraft dedicated to the Royal Navy, the kingdom will have to receive pending orders to reach 320 units in the coming years, according to a report published by Flight Global, in partnership with the Brazilian company Embraer and based on data provided by the specialized company Cirium.

The same report specifies that the Moroccan air force currently has 15 F-16 C V fighter jets, and that a new order for 24 aircraft of the same model has been placed, demonstrating Morocco’s desire to strengthen its fleet. Thanks to its recent acquisitions and its constant ambition for modernization, Morocco is among the countries that have contributed to the 1% increase in the total number of military aircraft in 2024. In total, 4,230 units registered, which is 53 more aircraft than in 2023.

Regarding in-flight refueling, the Moroccan air force has two KC-130H aircraft, giving it the ability to conduct long-distance combat operations without the need to return to ground bases. Its military transport fleet includes: 4 C-27 J aircraft, 14 C-130H aircraft, 6 CN-235 aircraft, and 7 light aircraft from the King Air 200/300/350 series.

The report also focused on the field of specialized military aviation. "Morocco has two Falcon 20 aircraft dedicated to electronic warfare," the report further specifies, noting that these aircraft are used for jamming and electronic disruption missions. What about helicopters? Morocco has a substantial arsenal including 24 AH-64E Apache attack helicopters. An order for 12 more units is in progress. Morocco also has a wide range of multipurpose helicopters: 5 Bell 205, 3 Bell 212, 1 Bell 206, 3 CH-47D, 26 SA 330, and 23 SA 342, enabling it to carry out various missions ranging from attack to logistical support, including evacuation and supply.

In terms of training, Morocco is among the few African countries to invest heavily in its training system. Thus, the Royal Air Force has 22 Alpha Jet aircraft, 24 T-6C, 8 two-seater F-16D, 4 F-5F, as well as light training aircraft King Air 100, 5 Bell 206 helicopters, and 8 H135 helicopters, it is specified.

As for the Moroccan Royal Navy, it has an air force dedicated to maritime surveillance, including 2 King Air 350 aircraft, 3 AS565 helicopters, and 1 Bell 412 helicopter, mainly assigned to anti-smuggling and illegal immigration missions, surveillance of Moroccan territorial waters and navigation assistance in the Strait of Gibraltar, as well as along the Atlantic coast which extends over more than 3,500 km.