US, Morocco Military Cooperation Deepens with Link-16 Integration Test

Agadir – US and Moroccan armed forces conducted interoperability testing for advanced military communications systems during the final planning phase of African Lion 2026, marking a first-of-its-kind with an African partner.

According to a statement published by United States Air Forces in Europe – Air Forces Africa (USAFE-AFAFRICA), US forces, supported by US  Marine Corps Forces Europe and Africa, partnered with the Royal Moroccan Armed Forces (FAR) to conduct the first interoperability test of secure encrypted communications and tactical datalinks in Agadir on February 3.

This test showcased the integration of the Link 16, a secure and jam-resistant communications system widely used by NATO allies

Officials confirmed that encrypted ultra-high frequency voice connections were successfully established between Moroccan and US tactical terminals, enabling both voice and text-based communication.

Through this system, forces from the two countries were able to communicate directly and securely while exchanging real-time operational data across air, land, and maritime domains.

US Air Force Master Babak Kermanshahi and US Marine Corps Kyle Repetti led the effort to test Morocco’s ability to integrate into coalition command-and-control structures.

“This effort tested Morocco’s ability to integrate into a coalition force through a highly survivable, encrypted, and jam-resistant tactical data link, bolstering cross-domain communications,” Repetti said. 

“Sharing real-time data across air, land, and sea improves situational awareness and coordination for commanders, planners and operators.”

Kermanshahi emphasized the operational implications of the achievement.“This integration shows how planning can translate directly into operational capability. One of African Lion’s objectives is to drive integration and interoperability by implementing capabilities that improve readiness, and this effort directly supports that goal,” he explained.

Officials noted that the integration represents a long-term capability rather than a one-time achievement.

“Looking forward, this isn’t just a one-time success. We are using the lessons we’ve learned as a foundation to build upon for African Lion 2027,” Kermanshahi added. 

“This integration is the key that will enable future planning and allow for real-time situational awareness, and enhance data sharing for more effective strategic, operational, and tactical planning with Morocco.”

Previous editions of African Lion further highlight the depth of the US-Morocco defense partnership, with large-scale activities launched in Morocco last year on May 12.

These activities involved joint ground, air exercises aimed at strengthening regional security, improving interoperability, and enhancing readiness among allied and partner forces.

The 2025 edition brought together more than 10,000 troops from over 50 nations, including NATO allies. 

It  was described by US officials as a demonstration of the “robust and enduring defense partnership” between both countries, as well as a platform to test logistics, mobility, and combined operational capabilities across a multi-domain environment.

Morocco hosting such a large share of activities, reaffirms its role as a central hub for regional security cooperation.

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