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Washington Considers F-35 for Morocco
The U.S. State Department has approved a potential deal to sell Saudi Arabia 48 F-35 Lightning fighter jets, valued at up to approximately $24.3 billion. This represents a significant step in the widespread deployment of this fifth-generation stealth aircraft in the region. The package also includes 49 F135 engines, communication and jamming equipment, support for weapons and spare parts, training software, and technical and logistical services. It is considered an official move toward the delivery of the aircraft, although the process is still subject to subsequent American procedures. This development comes amid delicate regional sensitivities, given that the F-35 is part of an integrated system relying on stealth and secure communication, and was previously operated only by Israel. Consequently, any Arab interest in acquiring the jet requires careful regional and security considerations. Additionally, Morocco has previously expressed interest in the F-35, placing it on a list of potential procurement needs. Reports had suggested a possible purchase of 32 aircraft, supported by strong relations with Washington and Tel Aviv, and recent diplomatic developments—including elevating the diplomatic representation between Morocco and Israel to ambassador level, and Washington’s support for Morocco’s sovereignty over Western Sahara—further increase the likelihood of expanded military and defense cooperation between Morocco, the U.S., and Israel. This period also coincides with regional developments, such as the appearance of Russian Su-57E jet fighters over Algeria, which raises strategic calculations regarding power balance in the region.
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