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Morocco hosts key planning meeting for African Lion 2026 military exercise
A major planning meeting for African Lion 2026, Africa's largest multinational military exercise, is underway in Agadir, Morocco, from December 8 to 12. Representatives from Morocco, the United States, and other partner nations are focusing on interoperability, logistics, and the integration of forces across air, land, maritime, and special operations.
According to a statement from Morocco’s Royal Armed Forces (FAR), the next African Lion military drill will take place from April 20 to May 8, 2026, across several Moroccan locations, including Agadir, Tan Tan, Taroudant, Kenitra, and Benguerir.
Over the past five years, the African Lion exercises have seen participation from more than 40,000 military personnel, underscoring the strategic importance of this annual event. The initiative highlights Morocco's pivotal role in fostering regional security and defense collaboration with its allies.
US military officials have consistently praised the African Lion exercises and the strong defense partnership between Morocco and the United States. Earlier this year, US Air Force Col. Seward Matwick described the drills as a testament to the enduring military cooperation between Rabat and Washington. Similarly, US Army Maj. Jonathan F. Alvis emphasized the exceptional logistical coordination between Moroccan and American forces, developed over years of close collaboration.
General Michael Langley, Commander of the US Africa Command (US AFRICOM), has also commended Morocco’s contributions to regional stability. During the delivery of the first AH-64 Apache helicopters to Morocco earlier this year, Langley highlighted the nation as a reference in defense and security, noting that African armies look to Morocco as a model of military excellence.
The African Lion exercises have become a cornerstone of defense cooperation, showcasing the ability of participating nations to plan, train, and address shared challenges together.
