Morocco’s Potential F-35 Acquisition Raises Concerns in Spain

According to a Spanish report, Spain is concerned about Morocco’s upcoming acquisition of the American F-35 stealth fighters. "Although bilateral relations between the two countries are generally good and they share a common ally, the United States, Rabat wants to strengthen its air force with sophisticated aircraft," the document states, noting that "in addition to the threat of future Algerian Su-57 fighters, there is the manifest interest of Morocco in acquiring the American F-35 Lightning II stealth fighter."

The report specifies that "to date, this sale has neither been authorized nor formalized. Morocco’s paramount interest in the F-35 lies in its desire to have an aircraft that can compete with the future Algerian Su-57s, in a context of historical rivalry marked by several decades of hostility between the two countries," stressing that "these stealth aircraft could also pose a threat to Spain." If the kingdom has not yet acquired the F-35, it is due to its high cost, the report reveals. "This aircraft is extremely expensive and its acquisition could weaken the budgetary resources allocated to other weapon systems."

But in the event that Morocco manages to acquire the F-35, a fifth-generation stealth fighter capable of carrying out air superiority, ground attack and reconnaissance missions, it would constitute a threat to Spain, which "does not have stealth fighters and has not planned to receive any in the short or medium term. Its air defense currently relies on Eurofighters and EF-18M Hornets, two fourth-generation combat aircraft," the report states. "The acquisition of this type of fighter by Morocco would represent a significant step in the modernization of its air force compared to its current equipment, mainly composed of fourth-generation aircraft like the F-16," confirms a military expert.

"The acquisition of this American stealth fighter could allow Morocco to strengthen its deterrent capacity against an Algeria that supports the Polisario Front and to assert itself as a major security player in North Africa," analyzes the expert, adding that Morocco "will have to negotiate with the United States to obtain approval for this sale, which could take time and be subject to strict political conditions."