Morocco is close to purchasing 32 American F-35 stealth fighters

27 September 2025:
Press reports revealed a working visit by a high-level Moroccan military delegation to the United States, headed by the Inspector General of the Royal Air Force, General Mohamed Jaddih. This visit constituted a pivotal milestone in the course of the ongoing discussions regarding a historic deal that puts Morocco on the threshold of entering the club of countries that own American F-35 stealth fighters, according to what was reported by the Spanish newspaper "Larathon".
The newspaper reported that the practical visit made by the Moroccan military mission, headed by the Inspector General of the Royal Air Force, General Mohamed Kadih, placed on the negotiating table the file of Rabat purchasing 32 F-35 stealth fighters, which will make Morocco the first African and Arab country to possess these aircraft.
During meetings with US Air Force Commander General David Alwyn, the talks were described as "fruitful", as they addressed common priorities between the two military institutions, according to what was reported by the Moroccan daily Al-Ahdath.
The Moroccan delegation included, in addition to General Kadih, the head of the office in charge of procurement and equipment and a number of senior officers of the Royal Air Force.
Prior to this visit, several media outlets had indicated that the US Congress was preparing to ratify an agreement that would pave the way for Rabat to acquire these fifth-generation fighters. In contrast, Algeria, which has tense relations with Morocco, already possesses a Russian counterpart to this type of aircraft, the Sukhoi Su-57.
Sources also explained that the agreement will enhance the Kingdom's deterrence capabilities and confirm its role as a pivotal security player in North Africa.
The total cost of the deal is estimated at approximately $17 billion, including the purchase, protection and maintenance of a fleet of 32 F-35 fighters over a period of 45 years.