Morocco and United States launch plans for African multidomain training center in Tan-Tan

Tuesday 14 July 2026 - 10:57

Morocco and the United States have taken a new step in strengthening their strategic defense partnership with the signing of an agreement to establish the Africa Multidomain Training and Experimentation Center (AMTEC). The future facility, planned for Tan-Tan by 2030, aims to become a major platform for military training, technological experimentation and regional security cooperation in Africa.

The memorandum of understanding was signed on July 13, 2026, at the headquarters of the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) in Stuttgart, Germany, by General Dagvin Anderson, commander of AFRICOM, and General Mohammed Berrid, Inspector General of the Royal Armed Forces (FAR).

The initiative reflects the growing cooperation between Morocco and the United States in the field of defense preparedness, with a focus on developing advanced operational capabilities and addressing evolving security challenges across the African continent.

A strategic center built around training, innovation and emerging technologies

The AMTEC project will be structured around three main pillars: a multidomain training area, a drone academy and an innovation and experimentation center.

The multidomain training area will provide a large-scale environment where military forces and advanced systems can prepare for operations across different operational domains. The facility will include capabilities designed to support activities across the electromagnetic spectrum, including scenarios involving complex and contested environments.

This approach reflects the transformation of modern warfare, where land, air, maritime, cyber and electronic domains are increasingly interconnected. By integrating these dimensions into training exercises, the center is expected to enhance interoperability between participating forces.

Drone academy to support African security capabilities

A key component of the project will be the AMTEC Drone Academy, which will focus on developing expertise in unmanned aerial systems. The academy will train Moroccan personnel as well as military specialists from partner African countries, including operators, planners and instructors.

The program is expected to contribute to regional counterterrorism efforts, particularly in response to security threats affecting parts of West Africa. Through specialized training and knowledge sharing, the initiative aims to strengthen African partners’ ability to respond to emerging risks.

A new milestone in Morocco-US military cooperation

The creation of AMTEC highlights the strategic importance of Morocco as a defense partner for the United States in Africa. The country has hosted and participated in major multinational military exercises and has developed extensive cooperation frameworks with international partners.

Located in southern Morocco, Tan-Tan was selected as the future site of the center due to its geographic advantages and its potential to support large-scale training activities.

With its combination of operational training, drone expertise and technological innovation, AMTEC is expected to become a significant hub for defense cooperation and capacity building in Africa when it becomes operational by 2030.