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U.S. Air Force personnel have joined allied and partner forces for African Lion 2026, a multinational exercise running April 20 to May 8 across Morocco, Ghana, Senegal and Tunisia.
The event is U.S. Africa Command’s largest annual joint training, drawing more than 30 nations and roughly 4,500 participants. About 100 Air Force airmen from the active duty, Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve are taking part, highlighting the service’s Total Force approach.
“African Lion showcases the dynamic capabilities of our Total Force Airmen,” said U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Jason Hinds, USAFE-AFAFRICA commander. “AL26 is a critical opportunity to enhance readiness and our ability to operate seamlessly with our African and international partners in a complex, multi-domain environment.”
Reserve units involved include the 88th Aerial Port Squadron and the 514th Force Support Squadron. The 88th APS is teaming with the Marine Corps’ 2nd Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company and the Royal Moroccan Armed Forces to meet training goals and provide exercise support.
Air National Guard participants span several states, with the 123rd Air Control Squadron, 165th Air Support Operations Squadron and 235th Combat Air Operations Squadron operating in Morocco, and the 124th Air Support Operations Squadron and 243rd Combat Air Operations Squadron training in Tunisia.
Active-duty elements feature the 1st Combat Communications Squadron from Ramstein Air Base, which is enabling integrated operations and information sharing over Link 16 in Morocco, and the 435th Contingency Response Support Squadron, slated for a command post exercise in Tunisia.
Led by U.S. Africa Command and executed by U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa, the exercise is designed to improve interoperability among participants, including NATO allies, and to build crisis-response readiness in Africa and beyond. Training spans land, air, maritime, space and cyber domains.
Organizers say the collaboration reinforces a regional coalition network and helps maintain access and influence needed to deter hostile actors seeking to exploit partner nations’ resources and sovereignty. With more than 4,500 participants, this year’s iteration underscores a shared commitment to regional security and cooperation.
