AGADIR, Morocco – African Lion 2025 concluded this week, involving over 10,000 multinational troops from more than 50 nations in synchronized operations across Morocco, Ghana, Senegal, and Tunisia. This marked the largest iteration in the exercise's 21-year history.
The exercise included defensive cyber operations for the first time and expanded Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) scenarios. It also featured rigorous multinational academic instruction. African Lion 25 aimed to build enduring partnerships, enhance joint force readiness, and strengthen regional security. Activities included High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) fire missions, airborne operations, amphibious landings, maritime interdiction, and planning exercises with partners from Africa, Europe, and the United States.
“I want to thank Morocco for hosting African Lion and helping strengthen our collective security and readiness through rigorous multinational training,” said U.S. Marine Corps Gen. Michael Langley. He emphasized that exercises like African Lion showcase the value of relationships with African partners.
“African Lion enhances the United States’ interoperability with Morocco and other key partners to strengthen our collective ability to address regional security threats,” stated Aimee Cutrona from the U.S. Embassy in Rabat. She highlighted Morocco's role as a major non-NATO ally in promoting regional stability.
U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Andrew C. Gainey noted that “African Lion 25 was a clear demonstration of how we project power.” He described how they set up operations across four countries and executed complex missions alongside partners.
In Morocco, U.S. and partner forces conducted extensive academic instruction including joint planning and cyber defense courses. Medical professionals treated over 1,200 patients across Morocco, Ghana, and Senegal as part of humanitarian civic assistance programs.
“Our team gained invaluable real-world experience across surgical, dental, and veterinary medical specialties,” said U.S. Army Col. Kelley C. Togiola regarding the medical efforts during AL25.
As African Lion 2025 concludes, its scale reflects not only tactical success but also strategic value by reinforcing trust with key partners across Africa.