TAN TAN, Morocco (AP) — U.S. and Moroccan military forces come together for the 21st edition of African Lion, the largest joint training exercise on the African continent. The exercise took place on May 23, 2025, in Tantan, located south of Agadir, Morocco. U.S. military leaders say the focus is shifting towards preparing local partners for greater independence in military operations.
General Michael Langley, Commander of U.S. Africa Command, emphasized the importance of enhancing the ability of allied nations to conduct operations without foreign assistance. “It’s critical for our partners to reach a level of independent operation,” he said during an interview with The Associated Press, highlighting the current strategy of supporting local alliances as they confront regional challenges.
During the exercise, troops honed various combat skills, including live-fire exercises with advanced systems like the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS), aimed at improving joint operational capabilities. Launch trucks were observed firing at designated targets as part of the drill.
The exercise saw participation from multiple countries, symbolized by the flags displayed at an observatory location. In addition to U.S. and Moroccan forces, Israeli military members also joined the joint operations, reaffirming the collaborative efforts among nations in enhancing regional security.
Local and international observers noted the significance of the exercise in strengthening military readiness among African countries against emerging security threats. Major General Mohammed Berrid, Inspector General of Moroccan Royal Armed Forces, remarked, “Exercises like this help us to work together seamlessly, sharing skills and strategies.”
The African Lion 2025 has been noted for its impressive scale, comprising thousands of participating military personnel engaged in various exercises designed to improve command and coordination between different military branches.
As tensions and security threats grow in parts of the continent, the focus on building the capacity of partner nations remains critical. U.S. military officials insist that nurturing local forces is vital for stability in the region. They believe the exercise is an essential step toward achieving that goal.
