Israeli newspaper Identité Juive claims that Morocco might become the first Arab and African nation to buy U.S. F-35 fighter jets. Reports suggest that the Moroccan military will receive a formal document in the upcoming months.
Israel and the Pentagon will approve this document, confirming the purchase of Lockheed Martin’s first F-35. The agreement is anticipated to involve 32 stealth F-35 aircraft, with total costs likely surpassing $17 billion.
The purchase would be a major upgrade for Morocco’s air force, which currently primarily uses fourth-generation fighters like the F-16. The Israeli publication states that discussions about the deal began in 2020 when Morocco asked Israel to assist in accelerating the process and overcoming political and administrative hurdles with U.S. officials.
In November 2021, Israeli Defence Minister Benny Gantz and Moroccan Defence Minister Abdel Latif Loudi met to address regional security and the strategic role of the F-35 for Morocco’s military.
This initiative comes amid rising tensions with Algeria, which backs the Polisario Front in the ongoing Western Sahara conflict. Acquiring the F-35 is about more than just modernising the air force; it also aims to secure a strategic edge against potential threats.
Algeria, for instance, is getting ready to introduce advanced military assets, including Russian Su-57 fighters, making the F-35 deal even more essential for Morocco. Algeria holds a strong military position in the region and has maintained close military and diplomatic relations with Russia, which has provided it with advanced weapon systems.
Recently, Algeria has been upgrading its air force with top-tier platforms like the Su-57, Russia’s fifth-generation stealth fighter. These aircraft pose a direct challenge to NATO-aligned countries like Morocco, which seeks to balance Algeria’s increasing military strength.
Su-57 and Algerian Air Force
The Su-57 marks a major improvement for Algeria’s air capabilities, equipped with sophisticated stealth technology, high manoeuvrability, and advanced avionics designed to compete with Western fighters like the F-35.
While Algeria already has Russian-made Su-30MKA and Su-35 jets, adding the Su-57 would enhance its military capability significantly, potentially surpassing Morocco’s ageing fighter fleet. Morocco recognises this impending threat, which likely drives its F-35 pursuits. If Algeria integrates Su-57s into its air force, the regional power dynamics could shift dramatically.
These advanced jets could jeopardise Morocco’s defence, especially considering the escalating tensions over Western Sahara, where both countries have conflicting interests. Acquiring F-35s would represent a noteworthy change in Morocco’s military approach.
The F-35 is one of the top multi-role stealth fighters globally, designed for air superiority, precision strikes, and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions. Its low radar visibility and cutting-edge electronic warfare capabilities would give Morocco a clear advantage over its rivals, particularly in situations where traditional air defence systems may struggle to detect stealth threats.
F-35: Morocco’s First Choice
Should Algeria deploy Su-57s in the next few years, Morocco must ensure it remains competitive in the air. The F-35 would bolster Morocco’s ability to perform both defensive and offensive missions and equip it with the necessary technology to counter Algeria’s expanding air power.
Furthermore, the F-35 could act as a crucial deterrent against other area threats, making Morocco a strong military power in North Africa. Furthermore, Morocco wants F-35s for reasons beyond just needing better planes. The geopolitical factors matter too.
After Morocco signed the Abraham Accords in 2020, it built better connections with the United States and Israel, shifting away from relying on France and other European partners. To achieve this, Morocco is trying to modernise its military using technologies from the U.S. and Israel, including drones, missile defences, and now advanced fighter jets.
Algeria and Su-57 fighters
The agreement with Lockheed Martin for the F-35 fits into a bigger change in regional alliances. As Morocco aligns more with the West, Algeria sticks with its strong ties to Russia. The growing divide between Morocco and Algeria impacts not only defence but also diplomacy and trade across North Africa. Morocco’s F-35 deal shows it relies more on the U.S. and Israel for advanced military gear.
Meanwhile, Algeria continues to depend on Russia for its defence, even with its new Su-57 fighters. For Morocco, getting the F-35 is a key strategic step. These jets will boost Morocco’s military power and help deter regional threats. At the same time, Algeria is expanding its fleet with modern Russian aircraft.
This arms growth could shift the region’s balance of power. Support from the U.S. and Israel means more than just selling planes. It confirms Morocco’s role as a security partner in North Africa. It also pushes back against Algeria’s rising strength.
F-35 deal will Deepen
The F-35 deal will deepen Morocco’s ties with both Israel and the U.S. It could leave Algeria more isolated in the region. This shift might also affect the Western Sahara conflict. The F-35 order marks a major leap in North African military capability.
For Morocco, it’s not just about better jets. It’s a move to counter Algeria’s Su-57 fleet and strengthen regional leadership. The F-35 gives Morocco more tools to protect its interests and show strength. It also raises Morocco’s status in the Mediterranean and North Africa.
Other nations may now feel pressure to modernise their forces. An arms race in the region could soon follow. Buying F-35s proves Morocco is serious about building its future security. As Western Sahara tensions continue, this deal could reshape diplomacy for years.
The F-35, made by Lockheed Martin, is a versatile stealth fighter. Its stealth features make it difficult for enemies to detect or target.
The F-35 includes three main types: the F-35A, which is for regular takeoff and landing; the F-35B, a short takeoff and vertical landing model; and the F-35C, designed for use on aircraft carriers.
Moreover, these versions share the same basic design but include specific adjustments for their roles, such as the F-35B’s lift fan for vertical takeoffs and landings and the F-35C’s modifications for carrier operations. The F-35 has strong landing gear for carrier use.
This jet uses the Pratt & Whitney F135 engine, reaching speeds above Mach 1.6. It can fly about 669 nautical miles in combat, depending on the type, and it can carry various air-to-air and air-to-ground weapons. The F-35 has modern sensors, like the AN/APG-81 radar, for improved targeting and awareness.
Conclusion
The F-35 comes with a Distributed Aperture System (DAS) that gives pilots a full 360-degree view around the jet. It can track incoming missiles and enemy aircraft automatically, keeping the pilot aware of every threat nearby.
The jet’s electronic warfare tools jam or dodge enemy radar, boosting survival in high-risk missions. This makes it much harder for enemies to detect or target the aircraft in combat. Inside, the F-35 features a high-tech cockpit with a large touchscreen and voice command controls. In addition, pilots use a helmet-mounted display that shows key flight data directly on their visor.
The F-35’s sensor fusion blends radar, infrared, and other data for a clear view of the battlefield. This gives pilots faster, smarter decisions in fast-changing situations. Its stealthy shape and top-tier systems make it a favourite among many global air forces and navies. It performs impressively even in heavily defended and complex combat zones.
References
- Lockheed Martin – F-35 Lightning II
lockheedmartin.com/f35 - Identité Juive – Moroccan F-35 Report
identitejuive.com/f35-morocco (Check homepage for latest article.) - The Diplomat – Algeria Military Modernisation
thediplomat.com/algeria-su57
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