Morocco officially received a second batch of seven AH-64E Apache attack helicopters on Friday during a military ceremony held at the Cap Draa training grounds in the Tan-Tan region, marking a new step in the kingdom’s military modernization program and deepening defense cooperation with the United States.
The reception ceremony took place in implementation of High Instructions from King Mohammed VI, Supreme Commander and Chief of General Staff of the Royal Armed Forces (FAR), and was organized at the conclusion of the joint military maneuvers closing the 22nd edition of the African Lion exercises.
According to a statement from the FAR General Staff, the event was attended by Lieutenant General Mohammed Berrid, Inspector General of the FAR and Commander of the South Zone, accompanied by Major General Mohammed Gadih, Inspector of the Royal Air Forces, and Major General Mohammed Benlouali, Chief of Staff of the South Zone.
The American delegation included General Dagvin Anderson, Commander of U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM), General Christopher T. Donahue, Commander of U.S. Army Europe and Africa (USAREUR-AF), Major General Daniel Boyack, Commander of the Utah National Guard, as well as a high-level congressional delegation led by Texas Congressman Ronny Jackson.
The arrival of the new helicopters comes months after Morocco received the first batch of Apache helicopters as part of a broader defense agreement with the United States aimed at strengthening the operational and technological capabilities of the Royal Armed Forces.
The AH-64E Apache is considered one of the world’s most advanced combat helicopters, equipped with sophisticated targeting systems, radar capabilities, precision-guided weapons, and advanced battlefield coordination technologies designed for both conventional and asymmetric warfare environments.
The acquisition forms part of Morocco’s broader military modernization strategy launched under the directives of King Mohammed VI, with Rabat increasingly investing in advanced air defense systems, intelligence capabilities, and interoperable military technologies in cooperation with strategic partners, particularly the United States.
The ceremony also highlighted the growing depth of Moroccan-American military cooperation, especially within the framework of the African Lion exercises, which have evolved into the largest joint military drills on the African continent.
This year’s edition of African Lion brought together thousands of troops from multiple countries for training exercises covering air, land, maritime, and special operations scenarios, reinforcing interoperability between allied forces and reflecting Morocco’s expanding role as a regional security partner in North Africa and the Sahel.
