Morocco, a Strategic Partner of the United States: Sole Arab and African Representative at the World’s Largest Naval Exercises
Morocco continues to establish itself as a key player in international security. In September 2025, the Kingdom will take part in UNITAS 2025, the world’s oldest and largest multinational naval exercises, organized this year by the United States Navy.
Scheduled from September 15 to October 6, 2025, the exercises will bring together nearly 8,000 military personnel from 26 allied and partner nations. Among them, Morocco stands out as the only representative from the Arab world and the African continent, a powerful symbol of its strategic role alongside NATO and the United States.
A highly significant Moroccan presence
Morocco’s participation in UNITAS 2025 highlights its role as a reliable and strategic partner in maintaining international peace and security. Standing alongside major naval powers such as the United States, France, Germany and Japan, the Kingdom confirms its ability to engage, cooperate and operate with some of the most advanced forces in the world.
This unique representation also reflects the trust placed in Morocco by Washington and its allies. The Kingdom is increasingly recognized as a bridge between Europe, Africa and the Arab world, and as a vital player in counterterrorism efforts, maritime security and regional stability.
Global-scale exercises
The drills will take place off the East Coast of the United States and across several strategic bases, including Mayport in Florida, Camp Lejeune in North Carolina and Norfolk in Virginia.
The program will feature:
- live fire exercises,
- large-scale amphibious operations,
- cybersecurity and military medical training,
- diving and rescue missions,
- and the high-profile SINKEX exercise, which involves sinking an actual naval target.
For the occasion, the U.S. Navy will deploy significant assets, including the aircraft carrier USS Harry Truman, the nuclear-powered submarine USS Oregon and several destroyers and amphibious ships.
Morocco, a pillar of transatlantic cooperation
This participation further strengthens Morocco’s position as a key partner of NATO and the United States in North Africa and across the Atlantic. The Kingdom has engaged in high-level military cooperation for several years, illustrated by the annual African Lion exercise with the U.S. Army and a series of bilateral defense agreements.
As U.S. Admiral Carlos Sardiello, Commander of the Fourth Fleet, stated: “UNITAS 2025 is a vital opportunity to demonstrate how our partners work together to defend our collective security. We are strengthening not only our tactical effectiveness, but also our trust and unity.”
Within this international framework, Morocco’s presence carries special significance. It confirms the Kingdom’s status as a trusted, credible and indispensable strategic partner, securing its visibility and influence on the global military stage.
Translated from Abderrazzak Boussaid’s French article – le7tv
