The U.S. military announced that its upcoming African Lion 2026 exercise in Morocco will incorporate artificial intelligence systems and next-generation combat technologies for the first time, marking a major change in the way multinational exercises are conducted.
The exercise will run from April 20 to May 8 and will include a testing and innovation center integrated into combat operations, the Army said. The facility is designed to serve as a field laboratory, allowing participating forces to evaluate advanced AI-enabled digital systems under realistic operational conditions.
Military officials said the effort will enable assessment of decision-making, data flow and coordination between front-line units and command and control centers. Defense industry representatives are expected to work with military planners during the exercise to move beyond theoretical demonstration to operational applications of emerging technologies.
Analysts say Morocco’s selection as a host for testing advanced warfare systems has strategic importance. Nabil al-Andalusi, director of the Maghreb Center for Strategic Studies, told the Arab Weekly that the decision reflects the United States’ confidence in Morocco’s political stability, disciplined military, and capable intelligence partners, which he said are essential for trials involving sensitive AI and command systems.
Al-Andalusi said the integration of AI decision support technology will deepen the Royal Moroccan Army’s understanding of new military capabilities and position Morocco as a regional hub for military training and security coordination between Africa and Europe. He added that the move also demonstrates Morocco’s role in the US’s broader deterrence network in the region.
U.S. officials said the exercise is aimed at accelerating the transition of mature technologies from testing to acquisition to field deployment and highlights the growing importance of information superiority, AI and real-time coordination in future combat environments.
The Royal Moroccan Army has confirmed that African Lion 2026 will be held in Agadir, Tintin, Taroudant, Kenitra and Bengelil. The exercise aims to enhance interoperability between participating countries, enhance operational readiness, and improve the conduct of joint and joint operations in support of regional security and stability. Previous editions of African Lions involved more than 40,000 troops.
The announcement follows recent high-level engagement between Morocco and the United States aimed at deepening defense cooperation. In October, Morocco’s ministerial representative in charge of defense administration, Abdellatif Roudii, met with US Africa Command Commander Michael Langley to discuss military industrial development and expanding joint operational capabilities.
This cooperation builds on the 2020 U.S.-Morocco Defense Cooperation Agreement, a 10-year framework that strengthens the bilateral relationship through arms procurement, joint exercises, and training programs.
With the introduction of AI, robotics, and advanced command systems, Africa Lion 2026 will become a benchmark for modern multinational military operations and place Morocco at the forefront of evolving defense strategies on the African continent.
