Morocco and France are reportedly engaged in advanced negotiations over a deal that could see the Royal Armed Forces acquire between 12 and 18 Rafale F4 fighter jets, according to French media reports, although neither Rabat nor Paris has officially confirmed the discussions.
French news outlet L'Essentiel de l'Éco, citing Spanish defence media reports, said the potential agreement involves direct government-to-government talks and could result in the delivery of the aircraft in 2030 and 2031.
The report said the negotiations come amid a broader military modernisation drive in North Africa, with Algeria continuing to expand its air capabilities through advanced Russian fighter jets while also reportedly pursuing Chinese aircraft and airborne early warning systems.
According to the French outlet, the proposed defence cooperation could also include future options for Morocco to acquire A330 MRTT aerial refuelling aircraft and Scorpène-class submarines for the Royal Navy.
Sources cited by the report suggest that an agreement could be signed before the end of French President Emmanuel Macron's current term, although no official confirmation has been issued by either government.
Morocco previously explored acquiring Rafale fighter jets in 2007, but the deal failed to materialise, prompting Rabat to turn instead to US-made F-16 fighters, which have since become the backbone of the Royal Moroccan Air Force.
