African Lion 25: US Officials Exalt Morocco’s Cornerstone Partnership

Doha – US military leaders lauded the strategic partnership with Morocco as African Lion 25 operations commenced across the country on May 12. The multinational exercise, Africa’s largest annual military training event, brings together over 10,000 troops from more than 40 countries.

“Exercise African Lion 25 exemplifies the robust and enduring defense partnership between the United States and Morocco,” said US Air Force Col. Seward Matwick, defense attaché at the US Embassy in Rabat. He emphasized their “shared commitment to regional stability and security.”

The Morocco portion officially began Monday at the Southern Zone headquarters in Agadir. Major General Mohammed Benlouali co-chaired the opening ceremony alongside Brigadier General Brian Cedeman, Deputy Commander of SETAF-AFRICA.

Morocco hosts the largest concentration of activities for this year’s exercise. Training events span multiple regions including Agadir, Tan-Tan, Tiznit, Kenitra, Benguerir, and Tifnit.

Brigadier General Cedeman characterized the exercise as “a truly remarkable event” demonstrating “the growing strength of our partnerships.” He affirmed that “Morocco’s commitment to African Lion testifies to the strength of our alliance.”

Other specialists commended the exceptional coordination with Moroccan forces. “Our logistics teams and Moroccan counterparts have developed a seamless working rhythm over the years,” noted US Army Maj. Jonathan F. Alvis, SETAF-AF logistics planner for AL25.

“Exercises like African Lion show that we don’t just plan together, we solve problems together, under pressure and in real time,” Alvis added.

The exercise features comprehensive training across land, air, maritime, space, and cyber domains. Activities include field training exercises (FTX), planning exercises (PLANEX), CBRN decontamination training, live-fire drills, joint military maneuvers, along with humanitarian and academic exchanges.

US Air Force KC-135s from the 121st ARW will conduct air-to-air refueling operations with RMAF F-16 Fighting Falcons at Ben Guerir Air Base. Additionally, the RMAF will lead training on patient movement procedures and medical evacuation at Kenitra Air Base.

US Airmen join Royal Moroccan Air Force personnel for specialized air operations. Training focuses on air-to-air refueling, close air support, and aeromedical evacuation tactics through challenging scenarios.

“The rigorous training scenarios we face in African Lion 25 push us to our limits,” remarked Lt. Gen. Jason Hinds, USAFE-AFAFRICA deputy commander. He stressed that the exercise builds readiness to “respond effectively to any challenge alongside Allies and partners.”

Eldridge Browne, Chief of Exercises for the US Army Southern European Task Force, Africa, celebrated Morocco’s two-decade commitment. “Morocco is a strategic partner that for the last 21 years has been the primary host for Exercise African Lion,” he stated.

Browne applauded Morocco’s “steadfast support, multinational inclusion, and unwavering support” making the exercise “successful year after year.” He described the country as “a vital and trusted partner in our shared pursuit of stability and security in the region.”

The Utah National Guard, Morocco’s official state partner since 2003, participates directly in humanitarian civic assistance activities during this year’s exercise.

Participating countries include Cameroon, Cape Verde, Djibouti, France, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea-Bissau, Hungary, Israel, Kenya, Nigeria, Portugal, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

Observer countries include Belgium, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, India, Qatar, and the Republic of Congo.

The Moroccan leg of the exercise runs through May 23. The comprehensive training aims to strengthen military cooperation, enhance interoperability, and boost intervention capabilities in multinational settings. Earlier phases of African Lion 25 were held in Ghana, Senegal, and Tunisia since April 14.