Morocco considers Rafale F4 fighter purchase from Dassault Aviation, Digi Mart USA News: Several media reports say Morocco could order 12 to 18 Rafale F4 fighter jets, nearly 19 years after its 2007 decision to pursue the French aircraft. Rabat, Paris and Dassault Aviation have not confirmed the reports.
Morocco’s draft budget would raise the ceiling on advance defense commitments to 190.5 billion dirhams, or more than 17 billion euros. Rabat could commit up to that amount against 2028 appropriations, and according to the reports, Morocco is seeking French fighters after the failure of its earlier Rafale project.
In 2007, Morocco was about to buy 18 Rafale jets before turning instead to 24 F-16s from the United States. Paris made several offers, but the arrangement between the French state and Dassault Aviation was unclear, and the price changed during negotiations.
Washington offered a simpler financial and military solution.
Nineteen years later, Rabat has a considerably larger budget margin and a more structured defense relationship with France. The reported proposal refers to 12 to 18 Rafale F4 jets, with deliveries mentioned for 2030 and 2031.
The reports concern the current version of the aircraft, which includes a modernized radar, improved electronic protection and the long-range Meteor missile. They do not refer to the future F5 standard, which is expected between 2033 and 2035.
No contract has been announced at this time.
A few weeks ago, four Moroccan F-16s joined the Orange-Caritat air base to train with French Rafale jets. Crews conducted air combat, aerial refueling and electronic warfare exercises.
In short, the two air forces are already learning to cooperate, in line with the strengthening of their military and industrial cooperation following the 2024 diplomatic rapprochement.
Even if Morocco is considering the Rafale, the country would not turn away from the United States. Rabat ordered 25 F-16 Block 72 jets and the modernization of 23 fighters in its fleet in 2019.
Last month, the first new Moroccan F-16 completed a test flight in the United States. Morocco’s goal would therefore be to operate a fleet made up of both American and French fighters.
However, Dassault Aviation’s production schedule could be an obstacle if Rabat signs. France has already submitted an offer for 114 Rafale jets to India in New Delhi, and the customer queue is already long.
Pressure does not come only from India, as Egypt is studying the purchase of 24 additional Rafale jets to bring its fleet to 78 fighters after two orders already signed. The Rafale is an export success, but this creates production capacity challenges.
The queue could grow further with Ukraine, since in July Paris and Kyiv agreed a roadmap for 16 Rafale jets for the country starting in 2028.
Meanwhile, France is already preparing the next generation: in October 2026, Paris and Abu Dhabi signed an agreement on financing the Rafale F5. This cooperation extends the Emirati order for 80 Rafale F4 jets.
Rabat is also seeking to develop its own defense industry. In July, France and Morocco signed a text on cooperation in armaments and military industry.
The 2027 draft budget also supports this strategy.
A possible order could therefore combine aircraft deliveries with maintenance, training and local industrial participation. Morocco is keeping its American F-16s and exploring other options for its combat aviation.
