The United States will establish a regional drone training center in Morocco to modernize security partnerships and enhance counterterrorism capabilities across Africa. This initiative, announced by General Christopher Donahue, commander of U.S. Army Europe and Africa, during the 13th African Land Forces Summit in Rome in March 2026, marks a shift toward tech-driven defense cooperation. He described the facility as a collaborative hub intended to create a sustainable, enduring capability. The summit gathered 300 participants from 47 countries to discuss security challenges and the integration of new technologies. Morocco was selected to host the hub due to its strategic location and long-standing role as a foundational American ally.
The first phase of the project launches with a pilot training module during the African Lion 2026 military exercise. Scheduled from April 20 to May 8, the exercise will take place across several Moroccan cities. A group of 16 participants will test the initial operational and management framework for the center. These modules will focus on integrating Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) into military planning and providing hands-on flight training across multiple platforms.
The center aims to promote joint learning and intelligence sharing among African partners. The upcoming African Lion exercise serves as the primary testing ground for this technology-driven partnership. If the Morocco pilot proves effective, U.S. officials plan to export the model to other regions on the continent. The program integrates with the broader African Lion exercise, which will involve more than 10,000 personnel from 19 African nations and various international partners.
More than 40 defense technology companies will participate in African Lion 2026. These firms will embed advanced systems into live drills to test their performance in real-world African environments. Lieutenant Colonel Ramon Leonguerrero stated that the goal is to close the gap between innovation and the warfighter’s needs.
The selection of Morocco as the hub site reflects its status as a foundational U.S. ally. The country also possesses a growing domestic aerospace sector. In late 2024, the Moroccan firm Aerodrive Engineering Services completed the first flight of the Atlas Istar, the first military drone designed and built in Morocco. This indigenous system provides real-time intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition, and reconnaissance (ISTAR).
The regional hub strategy also aligns with recent U.S. operational engaements with African nations, in 2020, on Friday 11 December, U.S. President Donald Trump moved forward with $1 billion in sales of drones and precision-guided weapons to Morocco sending a notice to Congress about the potential deals.
Establishing a permanent training center in Morocco helps formalize these technological exchanges. By standardizing training and data-sharing protocols, the U.S. and its partners hope to build more interdependent forces. This move reflects a broader policy shift away from direct combat roles toward providing the technical tools and training necessary for African nations to manage their own security.
Lieutenant General John W. Brennan Jr. noted at the Rome summit that the speed of the “technical revolution” requires deeper cooperation. He urged allies to build interdependent forces to keep pace with evolving threats. The drone hub serves as a practical application of this interdependence, linking private sector innovation with military requirements.
The initiative also aligns with Morocco’s goal of building a self-sufficient military-industrial base. By hosting the regional hub, the Moroccan military gains early access to U.S. training standards and maintenance protocols. This exposure supports the strategy of King Mohammed VI to reduce reliance on foreign arms imports through local production and high-tech partnerships.
Following the pilot phase in May, officials will evaluate the center’s ability to coordinate multi-national data sets. This assessment will determine the timeline for expanding the training curriculum to include advanced sensor fusion and electronic warfare modules.
Morocco is the epicenter drone developments in Africa. Some recent gains includes; the European uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS) Tekever partners Morocco’s Droneway on UAV development. The partnership, unveiled at the 2024 Marrakech Air Show, will see Tekever support the development of Morocco’s drone industry through the establishment of a post-sales office and investment into various supplementary activities: industrial projects; test platform; training; assembly; maintenance and logistical support. These activities will be rolled out over time in direct proportion to government incentives under Law 10-20 on defence and security materials and equipment, including industrial investment and access to airspace.
Likewise, Turkish drone manufacturer Baykar is set to expand its global footprint by establishing a production facility in Morocco. Following successful ventures in Azerbaijan, Ukraine, and Mongolia, Morocco has been chosen as the next location for Baykar’s international production.
According to Morocco-based news agency Le Desk, the new facility will enhance Baykar’s presence in the African UAV and UCAV market. The company is a prominent player on the continent, and this move is expected to strengthen its standing even further. Morocco is already a customer of Baykar, having acquired the Bayraktar TB2 armed drones.