The Royal Moroccan Air Force (RMAF) Al-Quwwat al-Jawwiya al-Malakiya Marakishiya will soon have it’s capabilities enhanced with the acquisition of up to 30 Mirage 2000-9E fighter aircraft from the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Currently, discussions are progressing on this transfer where the UAE will transfer half of its operational fleet of Mirage 2000-9E to Morocco.
French radio, RFI, has become the latest media to raise an imminent transfer of the French fighter jet to Morocco from the UAE, as the latter prepares to receive a batch of 80 Rafale F4.
Also, on January 8, 2025, LeDesk reported that discussions are progressing on a possible transfer of 30 Mirage 2000-9E fighter jets from the United Arab Emirates to Morocco, contingent upon France’s agreement.
Last April, following years of diplomatic negotiation, France reportedly authorized the transfer of 30 Mirage 2000-9 aircraft from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to Morocco.
A recent visit of Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita to France in April 2024, along with King Mohammed VI’s private stay in Abu Dhabi may likely bring the business closer to fruition.
In December 2021, the United Arab Emirates signed a deal with France, for the acquisition of 80 Rafale F4 fighter jets and 12 military helicopters. This purchase represents the largest international order for the Rafale jet, worth $18 billion, since it entered service in 2004. The agreement was signed by French president Emmanuel Macron and Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
Since then, countries like Iraq, Greece, Egypt and Morocco have been mentioned as recipient of the Mirage 2000. These jets will complement Morocco’s existing fleet of F-16s and upgraded Mirage F1s, providing a more modern and capable air force.
The potential transfer of Emirati Mirage 2000-9 aircraft to Morocco gained additional attention when the French government reportedly explored the option of buying back some UAE Mirages to provide them to Ukraine. This requirement complicated the transaction, but the UAE’s preference leaned toward selling part of its fleet, with 30 Mirage 2000-9s intended for Morocco and a portion for Egypt. While an agreement in principle appears to exist, no official statements have confirmed the final steps, delivery schedule, or upgrade packages.
The Royal Moroccan Air Force presently operates two-dozen MF2000 Mirage F-1s and two-dozen F-5s, both extensively overhauled, upgraded, and modernised. These support its modest fleet of two dozen advanced F-16C/D block 52+ aircraft.
In addition to the Mirage 2000-9E acquisition, Morocco is slated to receive new Lockheed Martin F-16 Block 70/72 fighter aircraft in 2027 and plans to upgrade its current fleet of F-16C/D Block 52+ Fighting Falcons.
On 25 March 2019, the US State Department approved a potential Foreign Military Sale (FMS) to Morocco. This included 25 F-16C/D Block 72 aircraft and related equipment for an estimated cost of USD 4.8 billion, as well as upgrades for Morocco’s existing fleet of 23 F‑16C/D Block 52+ fighters to the F‑16 Block 70/72 configuration, valued at approximately USD 985 million.
The Mirage 2000-9E is a multirole, single-seat fighter originally developed for the UAE as an advanced variant of the Mirage 2000-5. These aircraft have undergone upgrades through contracts with Dassault Aviation, Thales, and MBDA, significantly enhancing their combat capabilities.
It has not been mentioned whether the delivery of the Mirage 2000-9E aircraft will consist of both single-seat and dual-seat versions or only the single-seat variant.
Morocco is increasing the military capabilities of its armed forces, especially the Moroccan Royal Air Force, for geopolitical and defence purposes. Military stability in the region is vital to ensure the Kingdom’s leadership and sustain its economic growth.
The north African country has been mentioned as potentially becoming the first Arab and African country to acquire the F-35 Lightning II from the United States. As reported on January 8, 2025, the U.S. Department of Defense may finalize a deal for 32 F-35 fighters for Morocco, with an estimated cost exceeding $17 billion over 45 years, including procurement and maintenance.
Morocco has also ordered 36 offensive Apache helicopters and has so far acquired 19 Bayraktar TB2 drones from Turkey.