Arcane Thunder 24: Morocco Hosts Prestigious Military Exercise

Morocco Hosts Arcane Thunder 24 Exercise for First Time

In a significant development for US-Moroccan military relations, Morocco is poised to host the Arcane Thunder 24 exercise this August, following the success of African Lion 2024. This marks a new chapter in the robust partnership between these two nations.

Strengthening Military Ties

The Arcane Thunder 24 exercise, scheduled from August 5-16, will involve approximately 300 soldiers from the United States, Morocco, the United Kingdom, and Germany. This extensive multi-domain exercise will be conducted across both Germany and Morocco, underscoring the complexity and scope of the operation.

A Multi-Domain Endeavor

Led by the US Army’s 2nd Multi-Domain Task Force, Arcane Thunder 24 aims to bolster cooperation and interoperability among the participating countries. The exercise will focus on the synchronization and deployment of non-lethal effects across various domains including land, sea, air, cyber, and space. 

Colonel Patrick Moffett, commander of the 2nd Multi-Domain Task Force, highlighted the exercise’s critical role in enhancing the US-Moroccan partnership and ensuring that US allies and partner nations maintain a decisive edge against potential adversaries.

Morocco’s Premier Role

This year’s Arcane Thunder marks the first time the exercise will be held in Morocco, further solidifying the US’s commitment to the security of the North African nation. The exercise will present the participating forces with a series of complex missions designed to test their planning capabilities and incorporate industrial technology, evaluating the US Army’s modernization efforts.

Building on African Lion 2024

Arcane Thunder 24 follows on the heels of the successful 20th edition of African Lion, a joint military exercise co-hosted by the Royal Armed Forces of Morocco (FAR) and the US Armed Forces in May. African Lion 2024 featured participation from approximately 7,000 armed forces from 20 countries, along with representatives from NATO, showcasing the extensive international collaboration.

Expanding Cooperation

In recent years, Morocco and the US have made significant strides in expanding their military cooperation through strategic dialogue, joint training, and support programs. Last February, Michael Langley, Commander of the US Africa Command (AFRICOM), visited Rabat, commending Morocco’s commitment to regional stability and its proactive approach to promoting security cooperation.

During his visit, Langley met with Abdeltif Loudyi, delegate minister to the Chief of Government in charge of the Administration of National Defense. They discussed the achievements of their existing military cooperation under the defense partnership roadmap for 2020-2030, acknowledging the positive outcomes of the collaboration between the Moroccan Armed Forces and their American counterparts.

Continued Strategic Dialogue

This visit was followed by another significant meeting in the same month, when the Inspector General of the FAR, Mohammed Berrid, engaged with US Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for African Affairs Jennifer Zakriski. Their discussions covered various aspects of military collaboration, including the defense industry, equipment procurement, training, technology transfer, and disaster management.

Recognizing Morocco’s Role

The US State Department has lauded Morocco’s pivotal role in regional security, recognizing the country as a vital partner in promoting stability, counter-terrorism efforts, and economic ties in the Middle East and North Africa. As the largest purchaser of US military equipment in Africa, Morocco has received substantial support through Foreign Military Financing and the International Military Education and Training program.

As Morocco prepares to host Arcane Thunder 24 for the first time, the exercise signifies a deepening of US-Moroccan military ties and a continued commitment to regional security and cooperation. This event not only highlights Morocco’s strategic importance but also underscores the enduring partnership that continues to evolve and strengthen in the face of global challenges.