Royal Moroccan Armed forces

[The SC]

Royal Air Force H135 Advanced Training and Light Transport Helicopter

 

[The SC]

Morocco integrated air defense composition:

David Sling (Stunner 300km).
Barak MX (SR 15km, MR 35km, LR 70km, ER 150km, EA 250Km).
SPYDER (SR 15km, MR 35km).
Sky Dragon 50 (50km).
VL-MICA (20km).
Aster 15 (30km).
Crotale NG (10-11km).
DK-9/Type 90 (up to 30-40km).
FIM-92 stinger (4.8km)

 

[The SC]

The Moroccan website "Al-Sahifa" revealed that Morocco has officially requested from the United States to train a number of Royal Air Force pilots on piloting the stealth F-35A fighter jets, in a step described as linked to preparations for the potential acquisition of these advanced aircraft, without announcing the formal conclusion of a purchase deal. The newspaper reported, based on its sources, that the request has already been submitted to the American side, without disclosing the number of pilots involved or the proposed training timeline.

 

[The SC]

According to an official announcement by the U.S. Army , Morocco will host, in early 2027, field tests for up to 15 anti-drone technological systems and solutions, as part of a U.S. military initiative aimed at accelerating the evaluation of new defensive technologies and verifying their effectiveness in real field conditions, to later undergo operational evaluation during the "African Lion 2027" exercises.

 

[The SC]

Information has emerged for the first time regarding the new upgrades to the Moroccan M60A1/A3 tanks..Their numbers are approximately 500 tanks



The upgrades began over a year ago and will encompass the entire M60 tank fleet.

The upgrades are being carried out locally in cooperation with the Israeli company IMI.

The upgrades include:

A new 120mm gun, similar to the Abrams gun; a completely new 1000-horsepower engine; fully upgraded armor and turret; FLIR thermal imaging systems; a new, advanced ballistic computer; new fire control systems; and modern communication systems.

 

[The SC]

 

[The SC]

Morocco is moving to train its pilots on American F-35 fighters before the official announcement of the deal​

Reports indicate that Morocco has submitted a request to begin training Royal Moroccan Air Force pilots on the American F-35 stealth fighter jet, a move said to precede the official announcement of a potential deal to acquire these aircraft. If confirmed, commencing training at this stage would pave the way for the early qualification of Moroccan pilots in preparation for operating the aircraft, coinciding with ongoing speculation about a possible purchase agreement and the necessary US approvals for its export to Morocco.

The discussion of pilot training before the deal's announcement comes amidst persistent reports of Morocco's interest in acquiring this advanced fighter. Pilot training is typically linked to the contracting, manufacturing, and delivery schedule, with theoretical and technical preparation beginning before actual flight training, continuing concurrently with aircraft delivery and entry into service.

In this context, the possibility arises that early preparation is a way to shorten the time required to qualify pilots. There is also the hypothesis that Morocco might acquire aircraft that have already been manufactured but not yet delivered to the contracting countries due to delays in some deals. One example frequently cited in this context is the six F-35 fighter jets allocated to Turkey, which Ankara has yet to receive following the suspension of its participation in the program.

The American F-35 fighter jet family comprises three main variants: the F-35A, F-35B, and F-35C. These variants differ in their takeoff and landing techniques, equipment, and the types of missions they are designed to perform.

For Morocco, the F-35A version is most compatible with the nature of the Royal Air Force's operational structure, given its reliance on land airfields and its lack of aircraft carriers. Choosing this version will also spare the Air Force the naval operating requirements of the other two versions.

How are pilots trained on the F-35?


Qualifying for the F-35 fighter jet requires a specialized training program, given the differences in its systems and operating methods compared to conventional third- and fourth-generation fighters. The training goes beyond simply learning to fly and control the aircraft; it includes mastering an integrated system of sensors, electronic warfare, information management, and communication between the aircraft and various military units.

The training typically consists of three main phases:

The first phase is theoretical and technical training, where pilots learn about the fighter's technical characteristics, stealth principles, mission planning methods, and tactics for penetrating air defenses. They also receive training on managing the flow of information from various sensors and understanding how to integrate and present data to the pilot through a unified operating interface.

The F-35 incorporates advanced radar, electro-optical and thermal sensor systems, electronic warfare capabilities, and communication and data exchange systems with other aircraft and military platforms. These capabilities allow the pilot to develop a comprehensive view of the operational environment, identify and track targets, and utilize information from multiple sources.

The second phase involves simulator training, allowing pilots to practice operating systems and executing aerial missions in virtual environments that simulate operational conditions. This training includes air combat scenarios, dealing with enemy air defense systems, coordinating missions with other platforms, and handling emergencies without endangering actual aircraft.

The third phase involves actual fighter jet flight, where pilots transition to practical training on the F-35 after completing theoretical, simulation, and basic qualification requirements. This phase includes familiarizing themselves with flight characteristics, takeoff and landing procedures, operating systems in flight, and executing training missions according to approved qualification levels.

The transition to actual flight is an advanced stage in the training program, especially since the F-35 family does not include a two-seat trainer version like some other fighters.