Morocco received a second batch of AH-64E Apache Guardian attack helicopters during the African Lion 2026 joint military exercises, the Royal Moroccan Armed Forces (FAR) announced. The delivery ceremony took place at the conclusion of the 22nd edition of African Lion, which ran from May 4 to May 22, 2026, in multiple locations across Morocco.
The ceremony was attended by Major General Mohammed Berrid, Inspector General of the FAR and Commander of the Southern Zone, along with senior U.S. military officials. The Apache AH-64E is the latest variant of the attack helicopter, featuring advanced sensors, networking capabilities, and improved performance.
Morocco ordered 24 AH-64E Apaches in 2020 under a Foreign Military Sale approved by the U.S. State Department. The first batch was delivered in 2024. The helicopters are intended to enhance Morocco's counterterrorism and border security capabilities, as well as interoperability with U.S. forces.
The African Lion exercise, one of the largest U.S. military exercises in Africa, involves thousands of troops from Morocco, the United States, and other partner nations. It includes ground, air, and naval maneuvers designed to strengthen regional security and cooperation.
