Trump Prepares to Ratify an Agreement Between Morocco and the United States for the Purchase of 32 American F-35 Stealth Aircraft

ALDAR/

Information is beginning to surface in military circles indicating that Morocco may sign an agreement with the United States in the coming months to purchase 32 F-35 fighter jets, which would make the Kingdom of Morocco the first non-Israeli country in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region to acquire these advanced aircraft.

Five years ago, there were attempts by Israeli and American officials to support the purchase of F-35s by Morocco, but the agreement was not signed by the end of the previous U.S. President Donald Trump’s term. Today, with Trump’s return to the political scene after his re-election as President of the United States, this deal may find its way to fruition once again, as confirmed by those close to Trump.

According to projections by Aviation Week Network analysts, the Royal Moroccan Air Force is currently working on modernizing its fleet of F-16 Block 52+ C and D aircraft, which will be upgraded to the Block 72 V standard. A new fleet of F-16 Vipers is also expected to enter service soon. This major fleet upgrade will make the Royal Moroccan Air Force one of the most powerful air forces in the region, surpassing European countries like Spain and Portugal, as well as other nations like Singapore and Romania.

Although Israel will still maintain a qualitative edge in using the F-35I due to advanced and early upgrades, Morocco will possess a larger fleet than many countries that already own these aircraft, thus strengthening its military capabilities in the face of future challenges.

If the agreement is signed, it would serve as a strong signal for the arms market in the MENA region, which is a key market for major defense companies such as Lockheed Martin. Officials from these companies are expected to explore new opportunities to sell more F-35s to other countries in the region, as demand for advanced military technology continues to rise amid ongoing regional tensions.

The signing of this agreement could mark a turning point in strengthening Morocco’s airpower and open new horizons for military relations between Morocco and the United States, in addition to enhancing Morocco’s presence in the global arms market.