Moroccan M1A1SA Tank Platoon Conducts Bilateral Training Exercise with US Forces at African Lion 2024.

According to information released by the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) on May 24, 2024, a Moroccan Royal Armed Forces Abrams M1A1SA tank platoon has conducted a successful bilateral training exercise at Tantan Training Camp. The exercise is a component of African Lion 2024, which marks the 20th anniversary of U.S. Africa Command's premier joint military exercise.
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An M1A1SA Abrams main battle tank from the Moroccan Royal Armed Forces returns from a bilateral training exercise at Tantan Training Camp, May 24, Tantan, Morocco, part of African Lion 2024. (Picture source: U.S. DoD)

African Lion 2024, led by the U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF), spans from April 19 to May 31 and includes multiple training locations across Ghana, Morocco, Senegal, and Tunisia. This year's exercise sees the participation of over 8,100 military personnel from 27 nations, including NATO contingents, making it one of the most extensive and diverse exercises in the program's history.

The Moroccan Royal Armed Forces' involvement underscores the solid military cooperation between Morocco and the United States. The exercise aims to enhance interoperability among the participating forces, improve readiness, and foster professional relationships between the U.S. and its African partners.

The Moroccan Army currently operates 222 M1A1SA Abrams tanks. The M1A1SA is a specialized variant of the M1 Abrams tailored for export and includes several upgrades for enhanced performance in various combat situations. The M1A1SA Abrams is an advanced main battle tank featuring a range of technical enhancements. It is protected with reinforced composite armor and additional reactive armor packages for improved survivability against anti-tank missiles and RPGs.

The Moroccan  M1A1SA tank is armed with a 120mm smoothbore cannon capable of firing various ammunition types, including armor-piercing and high-explosive rounds. The fire control system includes advanced targeting and night vision capabilities, allowing for precise engagement of targets in various conditions. Additionally, the M1A1SA is powered by a gas turbine engine, providing significant mobility and speed across diverse terrains.

Training activities at Tantan Training Camp included live-fire exercises, tactical maneuvers, and joint operations planning. These drills prepared the tank platoon for various combat scenarios and enhanced its operational capabilities.

African Lion 2024 continues to be a cornerstone of military collaboration in the region, promoting stability and security through joint efforts. The exercise strengthens military ties and demonstrates a shared commitment to peace and security in Africa.

As the exercise progresses, participating nations continue to engage in a series of rigorous training sessions, aiming to build a cohesive and resilient force capable of addressing diverse security challenges in the region.