First launched in 1989, Jebel Sahara has grown into a key fixture in the annual training calendar for both armies. Its main objectives remain the same: enhancing operational coordination, improving joint planning across different military branches, and boosting tactical responsiveness in realistic and challenging environments.
To mark the exercise’s 25th anniversary, a commemorative ceremony was held in the presence of the UK ambassador to Morocco and senior Moroccan and British military officials, underscoring the continuity and resilience of the strategic alliance between Rabat and London.
This 2025 edition brings together elite units from both nations, including the Royal Gendarmerie, the 1st and 2nd Moroccan Parachute Infantry Regiments, and the Royal Gibraltar Regiment of the British Armed Forces. The program features combined maneuvers, urban combat simulations, rapid deployment exercises, and multi-branch coordination drills — all designed to test the cohesion, adaptability, and combat readiness of the troops.
At the same time, southeastern Morocco is hosting another major exercise: “Chergui 2025,” organized in the Errachidia region in cooperation with the French army. This joint desert warfare training involves both air and ground units, including France’s 5th Combat Helicopter Regiment and 1st Tirailleurs Regiment, alongside Moroccan forces.
The simulated scenario, depicting an attack on Morocco’s territorial integrity, aims to strengthen interoperability between the two armies through a combined air-ground operation featuring M1A2 Abrams tanks, Moroccan Gazelle helicopters, and French Tigre and NH90 aircraft.
Beyond the tactical dimension, Jebel Sahara and Chergui stand as clear demonstrations of Morocco’s growing influence on the international defense stage. They reflect the Kingdom’s commitment to modernizing its armed forces, deepening its military partnerships, and asserting its position as a cornerstone of stability and security in the region.
Editorial team/le7tv