The Moroccan defense industry crosses a historic turning point. The Kingdom has officially integrated the world chain for the production of American F-16 F-16 fighter planes, thus marking a strategic advance in its policy of industrial and military sovereignty.
According to a notification published on April 29, 2025 at Federal Register By the Office of Politic-Militarians of the American State Department, Morocco is now among the countries authorized to receive defense equipment, technical data and services specializing in the manufacture of components for F-16s, flagship of Western combat aviation.
This authorization is part of the American regulations on the control of arms exports (Arms Export Control Act), and concerns a technology transfer program worth more than $ 50 million. In addition to Morocco, other strategic partners of the United States appear on the list, including Italy, South Korea, Turkey and the United Arab Emirates.
This development comes as the Kingdom continues an ambitious program to modernize its Royal Air (FRA) forces. Morocco has ordered 24 F-16 viper hunters (Block 70/72), the most advanced version of the famous device designed by Lockheed Martin. The first deliveries are scheduled before 2026.
These new aircraft will be equipped with advanced technologies, including the ANSA AESA radar, recognized for its resistance to electronic jamming, and the Viper Shield electronic war system, developed by L3harris Technologies. At the same time, Morocco is upgrading its current F-16 fleet to Standard Viper, thus considerably strengthening its air capacities.
The integration of the kingdom into the industrial chain of the F-16 comes to reinforce the choices made since the signing of several defense agreements with the United States from 2018. These agreements have laid the foundations for an in-depth strategic partnership, focused on the transfer of technology, training and development of the national defense industry.
Beyond its operational aspect, this advance reflects a more global strategy for strengthening Morocco’s military autonomy. By actively participating in the production of an emblematic apparatus of combat aviation, the kingdom affirms its ambition to become a credible industrial player in the field of defense, able to respond to regional and international security issues.
