Royal Moroccan Air Force

The Royal Moroccan Air Force (RMAF) is a relatively modern and capable force in the context of North Africa. Its primary focus has been on maintaining territorial integrity and safeguarding Morocco's airspace, especially given regional tensions with Algeria and the ongoing conflict in Western Sahara. Over the years, Morocco has made concerted efforts to modernize its air force by acquiring state-of-the-art equipment mainly from the United States and France. Key assets include F-16 Fighting Falcons and Mirage F1 and F5 jets, offering a balance between multi-role capabilities and specialized tasks like air superiority or ground attack.

In terms of operational capabilities, the RMAF has been investing in advanced avionics, training, and support systems to enhance mission success rates. The air force also possesses a variety of helicopters used for transport, medical evacuation, and special operations, giving them versatility across a range of mission profiles. It's worth noting that the Royal Moroccan Air Force is not just limited to air-to-air and air-to-ground combat; it also plays a role in intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions.

However, the force is not large enough to sustain prolonged military campaigns without external support, and logistical constraints could impact mission effectiveness in an extended conflict. Budgetary limitations also place constraints on how much the air force can modernize or expand. Furthermore, while Morocco has strong ties with Western military organizations for training and equipment, geopolitical shifts could influence future acquisitions or alliances, thereby impacting the RMAF's strategic direction.

Key facts

Official Name	Royal Moroccan Air Force
Local Name	القوات الجوية الملكية (Al Quwwat al Jawwiya al Malakiya)
Country	🇲🇦 Morocco
World rank	#40
Active aircrafts	247 (as of 2024)
Aircrafts on order	48
Roundel

Number of active aircrafts by type

Aircraft type	Active
Combat aircrafts	83
Training	67
Helicopters	61
Transport	30
Special missions	4
Tankers	2

Aircrafts most used by Moroccan air forces

Aircraft	Active	Type
Mirage F1	46	French tactical fighter jet, prominent during the Cold War, extensively deployed in various intercontinental conflicts.
SA330 Puma	26	French medium-lift utility helicopter with extensive global service in troop transport since the late 1960s.
T-6 Texan II	24	American turboprop trainer, widely deployed worldwide since the late 20th century for pilot instructing and light attack roles.
F-16 Fighting Falcon	23	American multirole fighter, famed in late Cold War conflicts, renowned for performance in precision daytime strikes and defensive counter air operations.
SA340 Gazelle	23	French light utility helicopter, known for its extensive use in military and civil applications since its 1960s introduction.
Alphajet	22	French-German trainer jet, known for North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) pilot training, used particularly from late 1970s onward.
F-5E Tiger II	22	American fighter jet, used in the Cold War era, notable for its worldwide military deployments, including operation Desert Storm.
C-130 Hercules	13	American military transport aircraft, known for significant roles in Vietnam War and Desert Storm, extensively used for various cargo missions.
King Air 90	13	American twin-turboprop aircraft, prominently deployed for utility, corporate, and military purposes from the 1960s onward.
UH-1 Iroquois "Huey"	8	American utility helicopter, essential in the Vietnam War, extensively employed for medevac, transport, and combat operations.

Full inventory in 2024