A $17 Billion Deal: Morocco Gets Approval to Acquire F-35 Fighter Jets

Israeli and Spanish reports revealed that Morocco has received approval from the United States to purchase F-35 fighter jets. Negotiations are underway to acquire 32 units, making the kingdom the first country in Africa and the Arab world to possess these advanced aircraft.
According to the Spanish newspaper La Razón, citing Israeli media, Morocco expressed interest in acquiring these jets, considered among the most advanced in the world. This comes after Algeria announced its intention to purchase Russian “Su-57” fighters. Morocco is coordinating closely with the United States and Israel to finalize the deal.
The sources indicate that Morocco’s chances of obtaining fifth-generation fighters have increased after receiving the green light from Washington and Tel Aviv, potentially making it the only African nation with this advanced military technology.
The report also suggests that Morocco might overtake the United Arab Emirates in acquiring the F-35, as previous attempts to sell this model to the UAE were unsuccessful. However, a deal with Lockheed Martin, the manufacturer, seems closer to realization for Morocco.

The Cost and Strategic Importance of the Deal
The deal is expected to cost $17 billion for 32 aircraft, meaning each unit exceeds half a billion dollars. This transaction coincides with Algeria’s efforts to acquire “Su-57” fighters, highlighting a regional arms race.
Although Morocco has sought to acquire F-35s for years, the deal faced delays under Joe Biden’s administration, perceived as more reserved toward Rabat than Donald Trump’s. With Trump’s recent return to the White House, prospects seem brighter for Morocco.

Congress’s Support for Abraham Accords
In January 2023, members of Congress supporting the Abraham Accords urged the Biden administration to sell F-35s to Morocco and other Arab nations on the condition that they support humanitarian projects for Palestinians. This initiative followed visits to Morocco, the UAE, Bahrain, and Israel to strengthen regional cooperation.
Kirsten Gillibrand, a Democratic senator, stated that the U.S. should encourage Arab countries that have signed diplomatic agreements with Israel to invest in humanitarian projects in exchange for advanced military technologies, including the F-35.