Morocco knocks on the door of the American stealth F-35.. 32 potential fighters in a huge deal
There are growing indications that Morocco is interested in acquiring American F-35A Lightning II fighter jets. If this deal is finalized, it would elevate the Royal Moroccan Air Force to a new level of air power and make Morocco the first African nation to operate this fifth-generation fighter.
Specialized reports suggest that Morocco could acquire up to 32 F-35A fighters, with estimates indicating that the entire program, including training, logistical support, and decades of maintenance, could cost around $17 billion. However, these figures do not yet represent a publicly announced contract or a deal officially approved by the United States.
The issue of Morocco acquiring the F-35 has been circulating for years, particularly following the resumption of Moroccan-Israeli relations in 2020. In February 2025, Aviation Week reported that discussions about a potential Moroccan deal for 32 aircraft had resurfaced strongly, coinciding with Donald Trump's return to the White House. The idea had previously been raised during his first term but did not result in a final agreement. Reports also indicate that Lockheed Martin representatives presented the F-35's capabilities to a Moroccan military delegation at the IDEX exhibition in Abu Dhabi.
The potential deal gains added significance given the rapid development of the Moroccan Air Force's capabilities. The Air Force is upgrading its F-16 fleet to the Block 72 standard, while simultaneously introducing new fighter jets and enhancing its reconnaissance, networking, and electronic warfare capabilities.
Morocco's defense budget has also increased significantly in recent years. According to data related to the 2026 budget, defense spending reached approximately 157.171 billion dirhams, equivalent to roughly $16 billion.
If Rabat acquires the F-35, the impact will not be limited to adding an advanced fighter jet to its fleet. It will also include stealth capabilities, advanced sensors, data fusion, and networked engagement—elements that allow for a more robust air force based on information superiority and operating within an integrated network of sensors and command and control systems.
This possibility arises in the context of escalating military competition in North Africa, particularly with Algeria, which is also moving towards bolstering its Russian air capabilities. With reports indicating Algeria's acquisition of Russian Su-57 fifth-generation fighters, the entry of the F-35 into Moroccan service would add a new dimension to the advanced fighter race in the region.
Israel's role in any potential deal is tied to US policy of maintaining Israel's qualitative military edge in the Middle East. Reports in 2025 suggested that Israel does not oppose Morocco acquiring the F-35; in fact, its positive stance could be a contributing factor to the deal's progress. However, this does not mean that Israel alone has the authority to approve the sale, nor that the deal is a foregone conclusion.
Recent developments underscore the importance of this factor. In May 2026, Israel approved a plan to purchase a fourth squadron of F-35Is and a second squadron of F-15IAs from the United States, as part of a long-term arms deal worth hundreds of billions of shekels. This move confirms Washington's continued commitment to maintaining Israel's qualitative military edge while simultaneously considering advanced deals for its allies in the region.
In the same vein, US President Donald Trump's statements regarding Saudi Arabia's acquisition of F-35s have garnered significant attention. In November 2025, Trump stated that allies seeking the aircraft should receive "the best," rejecting the idea of providing them with inferior versions, in the context of discussing the Saudi deal.
Another factor that could enhance Morocco's chances of acquiring F-35As is Spain's withdrawal from the American fighter option. Madrid decided to focus on the Eurofighter Typhoon and the European FCAS program, halting the preliminary discussions it had initiated with the United States regarding the F-35.
This development is particularly significant given the recent escalation of tensions between Madrid and Washington, making Morocco, with its growing defense partnership with the United States, a prime candidate to benefit from any additional market share in the American F-35.
For Washington, transferring some of the advanced capabilities that Spain had been considering to a reliable ally like Morocco could serve broader objectives in North Africa, especially as Rabat continues to modernize its armed forces and strengthen its defense cooperation with the United States.
Therefore, the specialized reports and increasing indications of Morocco's interest in acquiring 32 F-35A fighter jets reflect Rabat's ambition to reach a new level of air power and possess fifth-generation capabilities. While the deal still requires the completion of formal US procedures and approvals, its realization would represent a qualitative leap in the capabilities of the Royal Moroccan Air Force, making Morocco the first African nation to operate the F-35. This would solidify its position as one of the continent's leading air powers and grant it a significant technological and strategic advantage in North Africa.
