# Morocco military and strategic partnership expansion

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/morocco-military-and-strategic-partnership-expansion
> Updated: 2026-09-05T07:00:22.000Z. Sources: 9. Developments: 3.

Morocco is undergoing a period of military modernization and strategic partnership expansion. The nation is strengthening ties with the United States through economic and defense initiatives, utilizing Florida as a gateway for industrial and technological investment. In the defense sector, cooperation with U.S. Africa Command (Africom) has focused on testing long-range precision strike capabilities at the African Multidomain Training and Experimentation Center (AMTEC) in the Tan Tan region.

Recent developments highlight significant aerial defense upgrades through American technology. L3Harris Technologies has completed the first 35 Viper Shield electronic warfare systems, designed for F-16 Block 70/72 fighters to manage electromagnetic threats. Additionally, the Royal Moroccan Air Force is upgrading its C-130 transport fleet with digital engine data systems and electronic overhauls in Texas. To support the integration of 25 new F-16C/D Block 72 fighters, a $42.10 million contract was awarded to CAE Inc. for full-mission trainers to enhance pilot proficiency in simulated environments.

Simultaneously, Morocco has significantly increased its military cooperation with Israel following the Abraham Accords. Israel has replaced France as Morocco’s second-largest arms supplier, holding a 24% market share behind the United States, which maintains 60%. This partnership emphasizes air defense, drones, radar, and precision artillery, supported by a “joint military work plan” designed to establish permanent dialogue and joint industrial projects. These developments coincide with Morocco’s efforts to develop a domestic defense industry and a military budget that has doubled since 2010.

## Timeline

### 2026-09-05: Morocco modernizes military through cooperation with Israel

Morocco is modernizing its military through deep cooperation with Israel, which has become its second-largest arms supplier after the US, focusing on drones, air defense, and joint industrial projects.

6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/morocco-modernizes-military-through-cooperation-with-israel

### 2026-09-05: Morocco advances air force modernization with US technology

Morocco is upgrading its air force with new Viper Shield electronic warfare systems for F-16s, C-130 transport maintenance in the US, and advanced CAE flight simulators for pilot training.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/morocco-advances-air-force-modernization-with-us-technology

### 2026-08-11: Morocco expands strategic ties with U.S. in investment and defense

Morocco is expanding its partnership with the U.S. by targeting Florida-based investments in high-tech industries and enhancing military cooperation through the AMTEC innovation hub in Tan Tan.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/morocco-expands-strategic-ties-with-us-in-investment-and-defense

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Cite as: Morocco military and strategic partnership expansion. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/morocco-military-and-strategic-partnership-expansion