US and Morocco establish new defense cooperation roadmap until 2036, focusing on counter-terrorism, drones, and strategic resources
via Le Matin4 min read
The United States is set to formalize an extensive military cooperation plan with Morocco, extending until 2036, as detailed in the draft National Defense Authorization Act NDAA 2027. This strategic document, introduced by the US Senate Armed Services Committee, positions Morocco as a central ally in Washington's security doctrine. Article 1268 of the text, titled "Plan to Strengthen Defense Cooperation with Morocco," mandates the US Secretary of Defense to submit a comprehensive action plan to Congress within 180 days to deepen this partnership. The law also requires the immediate transmission of the "United States-Morocco Defense Cooperation Roadmap for 2026 to 2036," highlighting Washington's long-term trust in Morocco's stability and leadership. The plan includes strengthening infrastructure and joint projection capabilities, with a focus on establishing cooperative security sites in Morocco to promote regional stability and optimize crisis response. The US Congress also seeks to co-invest in modernizing former US Strategic Air Command runways in Morocco, which would enable the country to host advanced transport and combat aircraft, reinforcing its role as a global logistical hub. This infrastructure upgrade is coupled with support for modernizing the Royal Moroccan Armed Forces FAR through the acquisition of US defense equipment and the establishment of a multi-domain firing and training complex. The draft law anticipates modern warfare shifts by designating Morocco as a
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Royal Air Maroc RAM is introducing 12 special flights between Casablanca and Monterrey, Mexico, to transport over 3,000 Atlas Lions supporters for the 2026 World Cup. Six outbound flights will operate from Saturday to Monday, followed by six return flights from Tuesday to Thursday. This marks RAM's first service to Monterrey and Mexico, utilizing latest-generation wide-body aircraft for direct flights with an estimated duration of 11 hours each way. A round-trip economy class ticket is priced at 10,000 dirhams, non-modifiable and non-refundable. Hamid Addou, CEO of Royal Air Maroc, stated that the company, as the official carrier of the National Football Team, quickly mobilized to meet the expectations of Moroccan fans. Passengers must possess a valid Mexican visa or a valid visa from the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, or a Schengen Area member state to enter Mexico. Tickets go on sale starting 6:00 PM on Thursday, June 25, 2026, at Royal Air Maroc commercial agencies in Morocco and via the dedicated portal "https://golions.royalairmaroc.com".
Morocco is advancing its automotive industry ambitions, marked by the 8th edition of the Automotive Industrial Competitiveness Exhibition SCIA in K茅nitra. The event, attended by Minister of Industry and Commerce Ryad Mezzour and Governor of K茅nitra province Abdelhamid El Mazid, signifies a shift from a focus on automotive subcontracting to industrial competitiveness. This change reflects Morocco's goal to upgrade its automotive sector, enhance local integration, and position itself in electric, connected, and decarbonized mobility. The SCIA 2026 features over 200 exhibitors from twelve countries, including Morocco, Germany, Saudi Arabia, Belgium, China, Spain, France, Italy, Portugal, Romania, Sri Lanka, and Tunisia. These exhibitors represent various automotive fields such as engineering, equipment manufacturing, logistics, and training centers. Minister Mezzour highlighted Morocco's significant progress in the automotive industry, attributing it to the vision of King Mohammed VI. He noted that Morocco has surpassed major European countries in production capacity and become a leading innovator in the sector. Rachid Machou, president of AMICA, emphasized the exhibition's role in strengthening national industrial competitiveness, focusing on developing local subcontracting, integrating first and second-tier suppliers, and accelerating technology transfer. A key theme of this edition is the transition to electric vehicles. The program includes five panels covering local integra
The article from Le Matin on June 25, 2026, discusses whether the interest of Moroccans in the stock market has intensified in recent years. It questions if this trend is confirmed by figures and indicators regarding individual investments in the stock market. This analysis is part of the "Wach Bessah" series, which aims to verify the veracity of popular claims or observations.