French Defense Minister Sébastien Lecornu arrived in Rabat on July 15, 2026, for a two-day visit aimed at strengthening bilateral defense ties. During a joint press conference with his Moroccan counterpart, Abdeltif Loudyi, Lecornu stated the goal to 'change scale' in the relationship, emphasizing enhanced military cooperation and joint exercises.
The visit comes amid broader efforts to reset France-Morocco relations, which had cooled over issues including Western Sahara and visa policies. Lecornu's trip is the first by a French defense minister since 2023, signaling a renewed strategic partnership.
Discussions focused on potential arms deals, including the sale of Rafale fighter jets and Scorpion armored vehicles, as well as intelligence sharing and counterterrorism cooperation. Both ministers highlighted the importance of stability in the Sahel region.
Morocco has been diversifying its defense partnerships, recently acquiring military equipment from Israel and the United States. Lecornu's visit aims to reaffirm France's role as a key security partner in North Africa.
