« African Lion 2025 » Military Exercise Kicks Off in Agadir with Broad International Participation

The city of Agadir hosted, on Monday, May 5, 2025, the opening of the 21st edition of the joint military exercise « African Lion » at the headquarters of the Southern Zone Command. This initiative is part of the ongoing strategic military cooperation between Morocco and the United States, with the participation of over thirty countries.

This year’s edition comes amid global tensions, particularly the conflict between India and Pakistan, giving these drills special significance in strengthening defensive readiness and operational interoperability among allied forces.

The exercises include live-fire field operations involving ground forces equipped with HIMARS systems, along with intensive training for special units in response to unconventional threats such as nuclear, biological, and chemical attacks. Joint air and naval operations are also scheduled.

Lieutenant General Mohamed Ben El Wali, Chief of Staff of Morocco’s Southern Zone, emphasized that the purpose of « African Lion » is to enhance operational capabilities and develop joint planning and coordination skills across multinational forces.