Morocco and the United States Launch the 21st Edition of the African Lion Military Exercise in Agadir
The 21st edition of the multinational African Lion military exercise officially kicked off this Monday at the Southern Zone headquarters in Agadir, organized by the Royal Moroccan Armed Forces (FAR) and the United States Armed Forces. This exercise, which will run until May 23, aims to strengthen military cooperation between the two countries, developing skills in various domains.
During the opening ceremony, co-chaired by Major General Mohammed Benlouali, Chief of Staff of the Southern Zone, and Brigadier General Brian Cedeman, Deputy Commander of SETAF-AFRICA, representatives from the participating countries attended the presentation of the command post simulation scenario and related activities for this edition. In his speech, Major General Benlouali highlighted that the “African Lion” exercise reflects the strength of the partnership between the FAR, the U.S. Armed Forces, and participating allied countries.
Brigadier General Cedeman also praised the scope of this exercise, calling it “a truly remarkable event” that demonstrates the value of this training and the growing strength of military partnerships. He added that Morocco’s commitment to this exercise is a testament to the strength of the alliance between the two countries and emphasized that all participants are committed to promoting peace, prosperity, and security, both regionally and globally.
The exercise is taking place in several regions of Morocco, including Agadir, Tan-Tan, Tiznit, Kenitra, Benguerir, and Tifnit. It features operational training across various domains such as land, air, maritime, space, and cyber. Activities include planning exercises for participating personnel, CBRN (Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear) decontamination training, and joint military maneuvers. Core components of the exercise include field training exercises, airborne and amphibious operations, special forces training, and HIMARS (High Mobility Artillery Rocket System) rapid insertion.
This year’s edition also highlights parallel humanitarian and social activities, thus reinforcing the exercise’s comprehensive approach. African Lion 2025 aims to strengthen military cooperation between Morocco and the United States, develop interoperability, and enhance intervention capabilities in a multinational context, ultimately contributing to regional security, peace, and stability.
Since its inception in 2004, the African Lion exercise has become the U.S. military’s largest exercise on the African continent. This year, the exercise brings together over 10,000 soldiers from more than 40 countries, including seven NATO allies, making this edition the largest and most ambitious in the history of the exercise.
In addition to Morocco, participating countries include Cameroon, Cape Verde, Djibouti, France, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea-Bissau, Hungary, Israel, Kenya, Nigeria, Portugal, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Observer countries include Belgium, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, India, Qatar, and the Republic of Congo, reflecting the growing interest in regional cooperation and collective security.