US and Moroccan air forces demonstrate combat power during African Lion 26

Two U.S. Air Force B-52H Stratofortress bombers flew with four Royal Moroccan Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons on April 23, marking the launch of Morocco’s first accredited joint terminal attack controller qualification course during Exercise African Lion 26.

The multinational exercise, U.S. Africa Command’s largest annual joint event, is led by U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa, and runs from April 20 to May 8. The combined flyover showcased the ability of U.S. and partner forces to project combat-credible airpower. Air Force Global Strike Command bombers routinely conduct worldwide sorties, including missions to maintain crew proficiency, and U.S. Strategic Command’s bomber forces regularly undertake combined security cooperation engagements with allies and partners.

“Their visible presence over Morocco, operating alongside Royal Moroccan Air Force fighters, signals credible deterrence and reinforces the U.S. commitment to regional security,” said Air Force Gen. Dagvin Anderson, USAFRICOM commanding general.

The newly launched course is designed to build a standardized, internationally interoperable JTAC capability aligned with modern coalition warfare requirements. “The inaugural [joint terminal attack controller] qualification course trains Moroccan students to direct combat aircraft, artillery and naval gunfire from forward positions,” said Air Force Master Sgt. Therron Bundick, chief of weapons and tactics for the 165th Air Support Operations Squadron. “These controllers hold the authority to clear airstrikes, ensuring accuracy while avoiding friendly fire and minimizing collateral damage.” He added, “Morocco’s first JTAC qualification course marks a historic milestone in advancing allied interoperability. U.S. involvement ensures a rigorous training environment to establish a lasting foundation for the program’s future.”

Throughout the exercise, U.S. Air Force JTACs from the 165th Air Support Operations Squadron and Detachment 1 of the 2nd ASOS worked alongside U.S. Marine Corps JTACs from the 3rd Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company and service members from Canada, Hungary, and Morocco. Live and simulated scenarios provided realistic close-air support training while enabling the exchange of tactics and procedures and accelerating the development of JTAC leadership.

Combined live-fire integration also allowed U.S. units to test their tactics alongside partner forces. “Combined live-fire training like this allows us to validate our tactics, techniques and procedures under the trusted scrutiny of an allied force,” said Marine Corps Maj. Michael Chevallier, 1st Brigade air officer assigned to the 3rd Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company. “It reinforces that shared commitment to excellence where, as we say, ‘steel sharpens steel.’”

The pairing of U.S. strategic heavy bombers with Moroccan airpower, together with the launch of the nationally accredited JTAC course, expands flexible options to assure partners and deter potential adversaries across the U.S. Africa Command area of responsibility.