US Army Announces Record Participation in “African Lion 2025” Drills in Morocco… Observer Status of Algeria and Israel Draws Attention

Rabat – The US Army has announced the list of participating countries in the “African Lion 2025” exercises, which are expected to be the largest of their kind in the history of these joint military maneuvers on the African continent. These extensive drills aim to enhance the capabilities of the participating forces and achieve operational integration with African partners and allies in a complex, multi-domain environment, according to Major General Andrew C. Gainey, Commanding General, US Army Africa (SETAF-AF).

Core events of the exercises include field training exercises, airborne and amphibious operations, special operations forces involvement, High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) rapid insertion (HIRAIN) drills, humanitarian civic assistance, and medical readiness engagements. New capabilities being tested include integrated cyber defense training and next-generation systems such as the Army’s Next Generation Squad Weapon (NGSW).

Wide-Ranging Participation and Noteworthy Observer Status of Algeria and Israel:

This year’s edition features broad participation from African, European, and American nations, with the official list including countries such as Benin, Brazil, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Chad, Cote d’Ivoire, Djibouti, Egypt, France, Gabon, Ghana, Guinea-Bissau, Hungary, Israel, Italy, Kenya, Liberia, Libya, Mauritania, Morocco, Netherlands, Nigeria, Portugal, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Spain, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

However, the observer status of both Algeria and Israel in the list of participants is particularly noteworthy, alongside other observer nations such as Algeria, Belgium, Democratic Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, India, Qatar, Republic of Congo, and Turkey, reflecting a broad regional interest in military cooperation.

Morocco as a Key Training Hub:

The activities of the “African Lion” exercises are primarily taking place in the Kingdom of Morocco, with some exercises noted to be held in the Moroccan Sahara. These maneuvers have seen significant evolution since their inception in 2004, becoming the US military’s most significant exercise on the continent. This year’s events reinforce the US commitment to enduring partnerships and demonstrate its ability to respond to crises, deter threats, and promote peace through strength.