Morocco and US deepen military cooperation through drone training in Agadir

Wednesday 30 September 2026 - 14:30

By: Azzat Manal

Morocco and US deepen military cooperation through drone training in Agadir

Morocco and the United States are expanding their military cooperation in emerging technologies, with training activities focused on small unmanned aircraft systems in Agadir. The initiative brings together personnel from the Royal Moroccan Armed Forces and US military partners as both countries continue to develop technical expertise in the use of unmanned systems.

The training reflects the broader evolution of the longstanding military relationship between Morocco and the United States, which combines joint exercises, professional exchanges and specialized instruction. Cooperation involving the Utah National Guard has been an important component of these ties, while the annual African Lion exercise provides a wider framework for multinational military training and interoperability.

Drone training has become an increasingly important element of military exercises as armed forces seek to integrate unmanned systems into reconnaissance, surveillance and other operational tasks. During African Lion 2026, US and partner forces conducted dedicated drone academics in Agadir, bringing together military personnel from Morocco, the United States, Ghana and Nigeria. More than 20 participants completed the inaugural course on small unmanned aircraft systems.

The programme included instruction related to drone operations and the integration of unmanned aircraft into broader military activities. US Africa Command said the training was designed to build foundational proficiency in areas including flight operations, reconnaissance and target identification, while encouraging the exchange of practical experience among participating forces.

The Agadir activities formed part of African Lion 2026, the largest annual US-led military exercise in Africa. The exercise was conducted from April 20 to May 8 across Morocco, Ghana, Senegal and Tunisia, involving more than 5,600 civilian and military personnel from more than 40 countries. Its programme covered multiple operational domains and placed a growing emphasis on emerging technologies and interoperability.

The exercise also featured training focused on counter-unmanned aircraft capabilities. US Africa Command reported that personnel in Agadir worked on technologies intended to improve surveillance and tactical intelligence, illustrating the growing importance of both drone operations and systems designed to respond to unmanned aerial threats.

For Morocco, such training contributes to the development of specialized military expertise while providing opportunities to exchange experience with US forces and other international partners. For Washington, cooperation with Morocco supports broader efforts to strengthen interoperability and regional security capabilities through multinational exercises and professional military exchanges.

The involvement of the Utah National Guard also highlights the role of state-level military partnerships in the wider US-Morocco relationship. These partnerships complement larger exercises by providing additional opportunities for personnel to share expertise and develop practical cooperation in specific areas.

The increased focus on unmanned systems comes as military organizations worldwide continue to adapt to the rapid development of autonomous and remotely operated technologies. Training, interoperability and counter-drone capabilities have consequently become increasingly prominent elements of military preparedness.

The latest cooperation in Agadir therefore illustrates how the Morocco-US defense relationship is expanding beyond conventional exercises to include emerging technologies and specialized expertise. As unmanned systems become more integrated into military operations, continued training and professional exchanges are likely to remain an important part of bilateral and multinational defense cooperation.