# Moroccan Air Force Alpha jet crash, two officers killed

- Link: https://www.military.africa/2025/08/moroccan-air-force-alpha-jet-crash-two-officers-killed/
- Published: 2025-08-04T19:07:09+01:00
- Author: Darek Liam

On Monday morning, a devastating accident took place at Fez-Saiss Airport in northern
Morocco, claiming the lives of two military officers.

The incident involved an Alpha Jet trainer aircraft, part of the Royal Moroccan 
Armed Forces (FAR), which crashed during a routine training mission. According to
an official statement from the FAR, the aircraft lost balance and slammed into the
runway while preparing for takeoff. Security authorities have swiftly launched an
investigation to uncover the reasons behind this tragedy, which marks a sombre moment
for Morocco’s military aviation community.

This crash is particularly striking as it follows another similar incident near 
the same airport in April, though details of that earlier event remain scarce. The
Alpha Jet at the centre of this accident is a twin-engine jet aircraft with a notable
history. Co-manufactured by Dassault Aviation of France and Dornier Flugzeugwerke
of Germany, it was developed in the 1970s to meet the dual needs of pilot training
and light attack missions. Designed to outperform the earlier generation of jet 
trainers, the Alpha Jet boasts versatility, capable of carrying an array of weapons
such as bombs, rockets, and machine guns.

![](https://www.military.africa/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/morocco-alpha-jet-crash-
scaled.jpg)

Dassault/Dornier Alpha Jet H from the Royal Moroccan Air Force crashed shortly after
takeoff from Fes Saiss Airport.
Both pilots died in the crash. (Via Royal Moroccan
Armed Forces on X)

This adaptability has made it a valuable tool for air forces seeking a cost-effective,
multi-role aircraft. Morocco acquired 24 of these jets between 1979 and 1981, stationing
them in Meknes where they formed both a training squadron and a counter-insurgency(
COIN) squadron. The aircraft saw active combat during the Western Sahara War, with
one being shot down by the Polisario Front in December 1985, a testament to its 
role in Morocco’s military operations. Beyond Morocco, the Alpha Jet has found a
place in the air forces of several other nations, reflecting its global appeal.

Countries such as the Ivory Coast, with seven aircraft, Nigeria with 24, Qatar with
six, and Togo with five, have all integrated the Alpha Jet into their fleets. Most
of these were French-built models, though Nigeria’s aircraft came from German production
lines. The French Air Force has employed the Alpha Jet primarily for training, while
Nigeria has used it for both training and combat missions, showcasing its flexibility.
This widespread use speaks to the aircraft’s reputation as an affordable and reliable
option for air forces worldwide. For Morocco, however, the Alpha Jet fleet, now 
over four decades old, may be nearing the end of its service life.

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The recent crash at Fez-Saiss Airport is not an isolated event, and the recurrence
of such accidents raises pressing questions about the maintenance and operational
condition of these ageing aircraft. In response, the Royal Moroccan Air Force appears
to be looking towards the future. Reports indicate that Morocco is considering replacing
its Franco-German Alpha Jets with the [Chinese-made L-15 Falcon,](https://www.military.africa/2025/01/morocco-seeks-to-replace-aging-alpha-jet-with-chinese-l-15/)
an advanced trainer and light attack aircraft. Produced by the Hongdu Aviation Industry
Corporation (HAIC), the L-15 features a digital cockpit, cutting-edge avionics, 
and the ability to carry various weapons, positioning it as a modern successor to
the Alpha Jet.

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Morocco is in [advanced discussions](https://www.military.africa/2025/01/morocco-seeks-to-replace-aging-alpha-jet-with-chinese-l-15/)
with HAIC, hinting at a potential shift in its military procurement strategy. Moving
from European suppliers to Chinese technology could mark a notable change in Morocco’s
approach to equipping its air force. The investigation into Monday’s crash will 
likely explore a range of possible causes, from mechanical failure to pilot error
or even environmental factors. Whatever the findings, they could shape the future
of Morocco’s Alpha Jet fleet and influence broader decisions about the country’s
air force strategy.

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