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Join on Telegram Doha – New reports have emerged suggesting that the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is preparing to transfer 30 Mirage 2000-9E fighter jets to Morocco. The transfer is expected to take place in 2027 when the UAE receives its new batch of Rafale F4 aircraft.
According to Military Africa and several international media outlets, the potential transfer would involve half of the UAE’s operational fleet of Mirage 2000-9E fighters.
The deal, reportedly contingent upon French approval, would significantly enhance Morocco’s air defense capabilities.
This is not the first time such reports have surfaced. In April 2024, following years of diplomatic negotiations, France reportedly authorized the transfer of these aircraft from the UAE to Morocco.
The announcement came after Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita’s visit to France, coinciding with King Mohammed VI’s private stay in Abu Dhabi.
However, these claims were quickly challenged. Military analyst Abdelhamid Harifi from the Far-Mar forum denied the reports shortly after their release, stating that the UAE would not transfer such aircraft without receiving replacements first.
Harifi emphasized that the UAE needs to maintain its deterrence capabilities, particularly given the rising tensions in their region.
Despite this denial, local and international press continued to report recently that discussions are still progressing on this transfer.
They noted that the UAE’s decision to transfer these jets is linked to their historic $18 billion deal with France in December 2021 for 80 Rafale F4 fighter jets and 12 military helicopters.
The Mirage 2000-9E aircraft in question are equipped with modern systems, including a Thales RDY-2 multimode radar and advanced navigation and attack systems.
The transfer gained additional attention when reports revealed that France had initially considered buying back some UAE Mirages to provide them to Ukraine.
According to Spanish media, the UAE ultimately preferred to divide its fleet, with 30 aircraft intended for Morocco and 39 for Egypt.
Sources indicate that if the deal proceeds, the delivery of these aircraft will coincide with Morocco’s receipt of 25 new F-16 Block 72 aircraft, part of a $4.8 billion deal approved by the US State Department in March 2019.
This potential acquisition would complement Morocco’s existing military capabilities.
According to the latest GlobalFirepower report, Morocco ranks 59th globally in military power, with 195,800 active-duty troops and an air force comprising 260 aircraft, including 83 combat aircraft.
The country currently operates two-dozen MF2000 Mirage F-1s and two-dozen F-5s, alongside a fleet of F-16C/D block 52+ aircraft.
The North African country has allocated MAD 135 billion ($13 billion) for its 2025 defense budget.
Beyond aircraft, Morocco’s military arsenal includes 903 tanks, 7,877 armored vehicles, and 396 self-propelled artillery systems. The country also maintains a naval fleet of six frigates, one corvette, and 105 patrol boats.
Previous reports from Le360 suggest that by 2027, Morocco will need to make decisions about replacing its aging F-5s and Mirage F-1s, potentially considering whether to maintain a single air combat vector or diversify its air force capabilities.
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