ALERT: Could Morocco Acquire U.S. F-35 Fighter Jets in Response to Algerian Su-57 Deal with Russia?
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Speculation over Morocco’s potential acquisition of the American F-35 Lightning II fighter jets has taken on greater urgency as regional tensions escalate in North Africa following Algeria’s confirmed purchase of Russian Su-57 Felon fighter jets. Should Morocco proceed with the acquisition, it would mark a historic first for the African continent, granting Morocco unmatched airpower capabilities and elevating its strategic posture amid growing rivalry with Algeria. Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link
A potential Moroccan F-35 Lightning II acquisition could counterbalance Algeria’s recent procurement of Russian Su-57 fighters, reshaping the military balance in North Africa. (Picture source: Army Recognition Group)
The longstanding political dispute between Morocco and Algeria centers on the status of Western Sahara, where Rabat asserts sovereignty and Algiers backs the Polisario Front’s independence claims. Diplomatic relations between the two countries were severed in 2021, with both governments regularly trading accusations over espionage, destabilization, and military provocation. In this volatile environment, the race for fifth-generation fighter technology represents more than a defense upgrade; it is an assertion of strategic dominance.
Algeria’s acquisition of the Russian Su-57 fighter jet reflects its intent to leap ahead technologically. The Su-57 Felon is a twin-engine stealth-capable fighter developed by Sukhoi, intended to challenge Western air superiority platforms. It offers supercruise at Mach 1.6 without afterburners, thrust vectoring for supermaneuverability, and a combat radius of around 1,500 kilometers. It is designed to carry a range of air-to-air and air-to-ground munitions, including the R-77 and R-74 missiles, and future hypersonic weapons. Its AESA radar system (N036 Byelka) is paired with L-band side radars and an advanced electro-optical targeting system.
The U.S. F-35 Lightning II, by comparison, is a single-engine multirole stealth fighter developed by Lockheed Martin, with unmatched sensor fusion, low observability, and electronic warfare capabilities. Its combat radius is approximately 1,100 kilometers, but it benefits from mid-air refueling support and integrated battlespace connectivity. The F-35 features the AN/APG-81 AESA radar, Distributed Aperture System (DAS) with 360-degree coverage, and the Electro-Optical Targeting System (EOTS). Its helmet-mounted display provides pilots with real-time targeting data and synthetic vision, eliminating the need for traditional heads-up displays.
In terms of weapons, the F-35 can carry a mix of AIM-120 AMRAAM, AIM-9X Sidewinder, JDAM precision-guided bombs, and long-range stand-off munitions such as the JASSM. Its internal bays preserve stealth while external pylons allow for expanded payload when stealth is not required. The Su-57 has a higher theoretical weapons payload, estimated at 10,000 kilograms, compared to the F-35’s 8,160 kilograms, but with lower integration of Western-class smart munitions and more limited battlefield networking.
From a military perspective, the F-35 offers Morocco a series of decisive advantages in countering Algeria’s Su-57. It delivers superior sensor integration, real-time data sharing, unmatched electronic warfare capabilities, and proven low-observability against the broadest spectrum of threats. The F-35 is already combat-tested, widely deployed among NATO forces, and benefits from a mature logistical and software upgrade ecosystem. Its interoperability with Western command networks enables Morocco to participate in complex joint operations and strengthens its role as a strategic partner to the United States and Israel.
The U.S. F-35 fighter jet provides Morocco with a comprehensive military edge that counters not only the raw kinetic potential of the Su-57 but also addresses the broader spectrum of future air warfare. It enhances situational awareness, survivability, precision strike capacity, and strategic deterrence. The introduction of the F-35 into Moroccan service would rebalance regional airpower, deter escalation, and redefine the technological hierarchy across North Africa.
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Speculation over Morocco’s potential acquisition of the American F-35 Lightning II fighter jets has taken on greater urgency as regional tensions escalate in North Africa following Algeria’s confirmed purchase of Russian Su-57 Felon fighter jets. Should Morocco proceed with the acquisition, it would mark a historic first for the African continent, granting Morocco unmatched airpower capabilities and elevating its strategic posture amid growing rivalry with Algeria.
Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link
A potential Moroccan F-35 Lightning II acquisition could counterbalance Algeria’s recent procurement of Russian Su-57 fighters, reshaping the military balance in North Africa. (Picture source: Army Recognition Group)
The longstanding political dispute between Morocco and Algeria centers on the status of Western Sahara, where Rabat asserts sovereignty and Algiers backs the Polisario Front’s independence claims. Diplomatic relations between the two countries were severed in 2021, with both governments regularly trading accusations over espionage, destabilization, and military provocation. In this volatile environment, the race for fifth-generation fighter technology represents more than a defense upgrade; it is an assertion of strategic dominance.
Algeria’s acquisition of the Russian Su-57 fighter jet reflects its intent to leap ahead technologically. The Su-57 Felon is a twin-engine stealth-capable fighter developed by Sukhoi, intended to challenge Western air superiority platforms. It offers supercruise at Mach 1.6 without afterburners, thrust vectoring for supermaneuverability, and a combat radius of around 1,500 kilometers. It is designed to carry a range of air-to-air and air-to-ground munitions, including the R-77 and R-74 missiles, and future hypersonic weapons. Its AESA radar system (N036 Byelka) is paired with L-band side radars and an advanced electro-optical targeting system.
The U.S. F-35 Lightning II, by comparison, is a single-engine multirole stealth fighter developed by Lockheed Martin, with unmatched sensor fusion, low observability, and electronic warfare capabilities. Its combat radius is approximately 1,100 kilometers, but it benefits from mid-air refueling support and integrated battlespace connectivity. The F-35 features the AN/APG-81 AESA radar, Distributed Aperture System (DAS) with 360-degree coverage, and the Electro-Optical Targeting System (EOTS). Its helmet-mounted display provides pilots with real-time targeting data and synthetic vision, eliminating the need for traditional heads-up displays.
In terms of weapons, the F-35 can carry a mix of AIM-120 AMRAAM, AIM-9X Sidewinder, JDAM precision-guided bombs, and long-range stand-off munitions such as the JASSM. Its internal bays preserve stealth while external pylons allow for expanded payload when stealth is not required. The Su-57 has a higher theoretical weapons payload, estimated at 10,000 kilograms, compared to the F-35’s 8,160 kilograms, but with lower integration of Western-class smart munitions and more limited battlefield networking.
From a military perspective, the F-35 offers Morocco a series of decisive advantages in countering Algeria’s Su-57. It delivers superior sensor integration, real-time data sharing, unmatched electronic warfare capabilities, and proven low-observability against the broadest spectrum of threats. The F-35 is already combat-tested, widely deployed among NATO forces, and benefits from a mature logistical and software upgrade ecosystem. Its interoperability with Western command networks enables Morocco to participate in complex joint operations and strengthens its role as a strategic partner to the United States and Israel.
The U.S. F-35 fighter jet provides Morocco with a comprehensive military edge that counters not only the raw kinetic potential of the Su-57 but also addresses the broader spectrum of future air warfare. It enhances situational awareness, survivability, precision strike capacity, and strategic deterrence. The introduction of the F-35 into Moroccan service would rebalance regional airpower, deter escalation, and redefine the technological hierarchy across North Africa.
