Morocco and the United States have achieved a significant advancement in military collaboration, successfully conducting their first interoperability test of secure communications during the African Lion 2026 planning event. This milestone not only enhances Morocco's real-time data exchange capabilities with the integration of the Link-16 system but also strengthens strategic ties as a major non-NATO ally of the U.S. DR ‹ › Military cooperation between Morocco and the United States has reached a new milestone. «U.S. Air Forces in Europe–Air Forces Africa, with support from U.S. Marine Forces Africa, partnered with the Moroccan Royal Armed Forces to conduct the first interoperability test of secure encrypted communications and tactical datalinks with an African partner nation during the African Lion 2026 final planning event, Feb. 3» a U.S. military officer said Tuesday, April 14, during an event in Agadir, according to a military source. The test was successful. Secure communications via the Link-16 data link were demonstrated, and an ultra-high-frequency encrypted voice connection was established between Moroccan and U.S. tactical systems. «Through these systems, text messaging and voice communication were enabled, allowing forces from both nations to communicate directly and securely during the event», the official added. At the FAR Southern Zone headquarters in Agadir, U.S. experts «tested Morocco's ability to securely exchange real-time battlespace data across air, land, and maritime domains, strengthening coalition command and control» Morocco moves toward Link-16 integration The integration of the Link-16 system into the Royal Armed Forces (FAR) «is the key that will enable future planning and allow for real-time situational awareness, and enhance data sharing for more effective strategic, operational, and tactical planning with Morocco» the same source said. Link-16 is a tactical data network used by NATO and allied forces to exchange real-time battlefield information. Unlike traditional radio systems, it enables automated, secure data sharing between aircraft, ships, and ground units. While developed in the 1970s and 1980s, Link-16 saw widespread adoption in the 2000s, first within the U.S. military and later among NATO members. Morocco has held the status of a major non-NATO ally of the United States since 2004. This integration follows Morocco's 2022 order for six Multifunctional Information Distribution System Joint Tactical Radio Systems (MIDS-JTRS), advanced terminals that enable secure, anti-jamming Link-16 communications. The deal was valued at $141.1 million. In parallel, the U.S. Army plans to establish a drone training center in Morocco for African operators, with the first session scheduled during African Lion 2026. The exercise will run from April 20 to May 8 across several regions, including Agadir, Tan-Tan, Taroudant, Kenitra, and Ben Guerir.
