Morocco to Host 21st Edition of African Lion Military Exercises with U.S. and 30 Nations
Major multinational drills to take place across Morocco in May, strengthening defense cooperation and interoperability
Watan-The Moroccan army announced on Saturday the organization of the 21st edition of the “African Lion” military exercises, with participation from more than 30 countries, including the United States, scheduled to take place between May 12 and 23.
According to a statement from the Moroccan Armed Forces’ General Command, “African Lion” is one of the largest military exercises on the African continent.
The statement explained that “upon instructions from King Mohammed VI, Supreme Commander and Chief of General Staff of the Royal Armed Forces, the Royal Armed Forces, in partnership with the United States Armed Forces, will organize the 21st edition of the African Lion exercise from May 12 to 23, 2025, in Agadir, Tan-Tan, Tiznit, Tafraout (central), Kenitra (west), and Ben Guerir (north).”
African Lion Military Drills Strengthen Global Defense Cooperation
This year’s edition includes participation from the Royal Moroccan Armed Forces and their American counterparts, along with more than 30 other “participating or observing” countries from Europe, Africa, Latin America, and the Middle East.
The exercise will feature various operational activities, including land, sea, and air tactical field drills conducted day and night, in addition to special forces exercises, airborne operations, and a joint operation planning exercise for staff officers under a “task force” framework, along with parallel humanitarian and social activities.
The first edition of “African Lion” exercises began in 2007 between Morocco and the United States. The drills are held annually with participation from European and African countries, and are sometimes conducted in multiple editions within a single year.
