African Lion 2023 concluded with a series of realistic war maneuvers on Friday in Tan-Tan, Morocco. The exercises involved coordinated air raids by Moroccan and American aircraft, along with land maneuvers simulating actual combat operations.
The closing ceremony commenced with a display by two Royal Air Force F-16 fighter jets, performing high-speed and low-altitude aerial maneuvers under the observation of Lieutenant General Mohamed Berrid, the new Inspector General of the Royal Armed Forces, and Lieutenant General Michael Langley, the commander of the American military command in Africa (AFRICOM).
The highlight of the air sorties was the involvement of the American “B1B” strategic bomber aircraft, flying alongside the Moroccan F-16 squadrons. The B1B, renowned for its capability to carry various long-range weapons and conduct stealthy low-altitude flights, was deployed for the first time in the joint maneuvers of “African Lion.”
Its primary role is to support ground advances of infantry and armored forces, a task demonstrated by Moroccan and American forces during the exercise.
The land maneuvers involved armored personnel carriers and advanced Abrams tanks from both Moroccan and US ground forces. These exercises simulated direct confrontations and encompassed tasks such as firing heavy artillery shells, precise targeting of enemy positions, and infantry maneuvers using armored vehicles.
Military engineering units were also part of the exercises, employing vehicles to open passages through barriers and destroy obstacles with explosives. These operations allowed partner units to advance safely and carry out attack and counter-attack missions.
The maneuvers garnered applause from military officials and representatives from participating and observing countries. Lieutenant General Mohamed Berrid and Commander of AFRICOM forces led the Moroccan and American military officials.
