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Photo by: U.S. Africa Command Public Affairs 

U.S. and Royal Moroccan Armed forces officially began the Morocco portion of African Lion 25, the largest annual joint military exercise on the African continent, with training events beginning this week across multiple regions of the Kingdom of Morocco.

African Lion 25 (AL25) demonstrates the enduring strategic military partnership between the Kingdom of Morocco and the United States. The exercise features joint operations involving ground, air, and combined staff components, designed to strengthen regional security, promote interoperability, and build readiness across allied and partner forces.

“Exercise African Lion 25 exemplifies the robust and enduring defense partnership between the United States and Morocco, showcasing our shared commitment to regional stability and security," said U.S. Air Force Col. Seward Matwick, the defense attaché for U.S. Embassy Rabat. "Through this joint effort, we enhance our operational readiness and strengthen the bonds of cooperation with our Moroccan counterparts and other participating nations.”

This year’s Morocco-based activities include field training exercises (FTX), a planning exercise (PLANEX), and live-fire drills, along with humanitarian and academic exchanges focused on enhancing multinational coordination and operational effectiveness. The Kingdom of Morocco is hosting the largest concentration of activities for this iteration of African Lion, reaffirming its role as a cornerstone of regional security cooperation.

AL25 further deepens the U.S.-Morocco defense partnership through the National Guard’s State Partnership Program. The Utah National Guard—Morocco’s official state partner since 2003— will play a direct role in the humanitarian civic assistance exchange during this year’s exercise.

AL25 serves as a practical demonstration of U.S. Africa Command’s (USAFRICOM) ability to project power across Africa. From strategic airlift to sustainment operations, the exercise tests and validates the Army’s expeditionary logistics network. 

African Lion demonstrates our ability to project combat power across Africa,” said U.S. Army Lt. Col. Hannah K. Williams, U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF) G4 exercise chief. “The strategic lift, reception, and onward movement of forces and materiel required to support this exercise not only highlight our logistical capabilities, but also our commitment to global readiness. We don’t just move—we position ourselves to respond rapidly and decisively alongside our partners.”

“Our logistics teams and Moroccan counterparts have developed a seamless working rhythm over the years,” added U.S. Army Maj. Jonathan F. Alvis, SETAF-AF logistics planner for AL25 in Morocco. “Exercises like African Lion show that we don’t just plan together, we solve problems together, under pressure and in real time.”

Participating nations include Cameroon, Cape Verde, Djibouti, France, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea-Bissau, Hungary, Israel, Kenya, Morocco, Netherlands, Nigeria, Portugal, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

“Morocco is a strategic partner that for the last 21 years has been the primary host for Exercise African Lion, their steadfast support, multinational inclusion, and unwavering support make the exercise successful year after year. They remain a vital and trusted partner in our shared pursuit of stability and security in the region,” said Eldridge Browne, Chief of Exercises for SETAF-AF. “African Lion showcases how we train, deploy, and operate together as a combined and joint all domain force.”

AL25, the largest annual military exercise in Africa, will take place from April 14 to May 23, 2025. Led by USAFRICOM with over 10,000 troops from more than 50 nations, including seven NATO allies, across Ghana, Morocco, Senegal, and Tunisia. The exercise aims to bolster military readiness, enhance lethality, and foster stronger partnerships, ultimately improving joint capabilities in complex multi-domain environments to enable participating forces to deploy, fight, and win.

For media inquiries or to request interviews or embed opportunities, contact:

SETAF-AF Public Affairs: setaf_mediarelations@army.mil

DVIDS Feature Page: https://www.dvidshub.net/feature/AfricanLionEx