Morocco is seeking US support to test new military cyber defence teams as cooperation between the two countries expands into cybersecurity.
Moroccan and US military specialists discussed possible cyber exercises during meetings held in the United States in July.
The talks also covered plans to introduce simulated cyberattacks into future editions of African Lion, the US military’s largest annual exercise in Africa.
Business Insider Africa reported the development, citing an account published by the US Army.
Morocco builds military cyber defence teams
The Royal Moroccan Armed Forces is developing new cyber protection teams.
Moroccan officials asked whether US military exercises could be used to test the teams and assess their ability to respond to digital threats.
The discussions involved specialists from the Utah National Guard and other US military organisations.
According to the report, Morocco expressed interest in exercises such as Cyber Shield and Wolverine.
These exercises could help assess the capabilities of the military cyber defence teams being established in Morocco.
Cyberattacks could become part of African Lion
The discussions also focused on African Lion.
Moroccan representatives supported moving cyber training beyond classroom exercises. Instead, they want cyber scenarios to become part of the wider military exercise.
US Air Force Capt. Robert Matheny said the Utah National Guard plans to include cyber-focused exchanges in next year’s programme.
The effort is also expected to involve planning a simulated cyberattack scenario for a future African Lion exercise.
However, no such scenario has yet been confirmed for the next edition.
The discussions therefore represent plans under consideration rather than an announced military operation.
African Lion brings together more than 40 countries
African Lion is the US military’s largest annual joint exercise in Africa.
The 2026 edition took place in Morocco, Ghana, Senegal and Tunisia.
More than 5,600 personnel from over 40 countries participated, according to US Africa Command figures cited in the report.
The exercise covers several areas of military cooperation and training.
Adding a cyber component could allow participating forces to practise detecting digital threats. It could also test information sharing and the ability to maintain systems during a simulated cyber incident.
Morocco-US military cooperation expands
Morocco and the Utah National Guard have worked together through the US State Partnership Program since 2003.
Their cooperation is now expanding further into military cybersecurity.
Moroccan personnel also observed US cyber teams during an exercise in Utah in April.
The latest discussions took place during a working group in Bedford, Massachusetts, from July 27 to 31.
The US Army published its account of the talks on September 29.