The academic phase of African Lion 2026 has officially begun in Agadir, bringing together more than 400 military personnel from several countries in a multinational exercise that this year places a strong emphasis on advanced domains, including satellite operations, electronic warfare, and cyberspace.
According to the United States Army, the academic component is being held at the Southern Zone Headquarters from April 20 to May 1, serving as a foundational stage ahead of the field exercises scheduled in the coming days.
The same source noted that the academic phase includes 22 intensive training courses designed to prepare participants for modern operational challenges. These courses aim to enhance capabilities in unmanned aerial systems, strengthen cyber defense skills, and integrate space-based technologies into military operations.
The source highlighted that the introduction of electronic warfare and satellite-related training is among the key new features of this year’s edition, reflecting efforts to keep pace with the rapidly evolving nature of modern warfare.
In this context, U.S. Marine Corps Major Keefe Murtaugh stated that the academic portion of the exercise represents a “critical foundation” for subsequent training and operations. He explained that the programme is designed to enhance technical expertise, accelerate decision-making, and improve operational effectiveness.
The American officer added that these elements are essential to shortening decision cycles in contemporary conflicts, which increasingly rely on advanced technologies and digital capabilities. He also noted that the courses span multiple levels, from basic instruction to advanced operational planning, ensuring that leaders at all ranks are equipped to contribute effectively.
Training on unmanned aerial systems covers a wide range of aspects, from basic operational skills to their integration into daily military planning. At the same time, a strong focus is placed on cyberspace through a 10-day course led by U.S. experts, aimed at training partner forces, including Morocco’s Royal Armed Forces, on protecting digital infrastructure and detecting threats.
U.S. Army First Lieutenant Mason Elizondo explained that the courses focus on teaching participants how to identify network breaches and understand how attackers infiltrate and maintain access within information systems.
He added that the training encompasses various platforms, including Windows, Linux, and cloud environments, reflecting the diversity of cyber threats faced by modern militaries. He also stressed that the multinational nature of the exercise allows for a two-way exchange of expertise, as participating forces both share and gain knowledge.
Through the combination of academic instruction and field training, African Lion 2026 aims to strengthen deterrence capabilities, promote innovative military approaches, and enable partner nations to build sustainable and independent capacities.
The growing emphasis on space and electronic warfare underscores a broader international shift toward reshaping military doctrine in line with future conflicts, which are increasingly driven by technology and information superiority.
