Morocco evaluates FA-50 aircraft to modernize Royal Air Force

Morocco is considering options to modernize its Royal Air Force fleet, specifically looking to replace aging Northrop F-5 Tiger II light fighters and Dassault/Dornier Alpha Jet training aircraft. During the Marrakech Air Show held in October, South Korea’s Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) signed a memorandum of understanding with Moroccan companies SABCA Maroc and Maintenance Aéro Maroc (MAM).

The agreement aims to explore industrial and commercial cooperation regarding the potential supply of KAI’s FA-50 Golden Eagle and T-50 advanced jet trainers. The FA-50 is positioned as a versatile option capable of performing both advanced training and light combat missions. KAI faces competition from the Italian-made M-346 Master developed by Leonardo.

This procurement effort occurs amid increased defense spending in Morocco, which has recently added Boeing AH-64 Apache attack helicopters and Airbus C295 tactical transport aircraft to its inventory. The modernization of the air force is viewed as a strategic move within the context of regional tensions with Algeria.