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3 clusters · 6 sources · 29 days · First seen · Last updated

US-Morocco defense cooperation in Africa

Overview

In July 2026, Morocco and the United States signed a memorandum of understanding to create the African Multidomain Training and Experimentation Center (AMTEC) in Tan-Tan. The centre is intended as a regional hub for military education, joint exercises, and rapid testing of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, autonomous systems, and drones, with the first operational demonstration slated for the African Lion 2027 exercise.

Between August 3 and August 7, 2026, the facility hosted its first live-fire tests. Personnel from the Royal Moroccan Armed Forces and U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) conducted maneuvers involving the “Antham,” a low-cost, long-range cruise missile developed by Covariant Industries. The tests aimed to evaluate precision strike capabilities, maneuverability, and target acquisition data in real-world conditions.

The United States has designated Morocco as the sole international site for testing advanced intercept missile systems under a new initiative to accelerate weapon development, supplementing four designated test ranges within the U.S. The AMTEC complex, located approximately 200 kilometers from the Canary Islands, is designed to include a multidomain training area, a drone academy, and an innovation center, with full equipment capabilities expected by 2030. This cooperation underscores Morocco’s role as a strategic partner for U.S. defense activities in Africa, facilitating the transition from research to operational deployment of new military technologies.

Entities

AFRICOM · Covenant Industries · United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) · African Multidomain Training and Experimentation Center (AMTEC) · United States of America

Timeline

  1. 8 days ago

    [INTERNATIONAL] 2 sources
    United States and Morocco test long-range missile at new AMTEC facility

    The U.S. and Morocco conducted the first live-fire missile test at the new AMTEC facility in Tan-Tan, testing long-range, low-cost cruise missile technology near the Canary Islands.

  2. 11 days ago

    [TECHNOLOGY] 4 sources
    Morocco hosts first US-led long-range cruise missile test at AMTEC

    The US chose Morocco as its only overseas site to test advanced missiles, conducting the first long‑range cruise missile launch at AMTEC and highlighting deepening defense cooperation.

  3. about 1 month ago

    [INTERNATIONAL] 3 sources
    Morocco and United States launch joint African Multidomain Training Center in Tan‑Tan

    Morocco and the United States signed a deal to build AMTEC, a multidomain training and innovation centre in Tan‑Tan, to serve African militaries and boost defence cooperation.

Sources

assafir24.ma · diariodeavisos.com · lanouvelletribune.info · laquotidienne.fr · nieuws.marokko.nl · stthomasmorewollaton.org.uk

This summary has been updated 1 time: see revision history