After three years of waiting, France has given its agreement for the transfer of 30 Mirage 2000-9E from the United Arab Emirates to Morocco. This decision, which boosts military cooperation between the two nations, is part of a context of strengthened diplomatic relations between Rabat and Paris.
In December 2021, the United Arab Emirates announced its intention to donate 30 Mirage 2000-9Es to Morocco. This initiative followed the signing of a historic contract by Abu Dhabi for the acquisition of 80 French Rafales. However, the operationalization of this donation was hampered by the lack of authorization from France, which holds export rights to the device.
Morocco’s support against Daesh
France’s change of position can be explained by several factors, notably the warming of relations between Morocco and France: Recent months have been marked by an improvement in bilateral relations, particularly on the Western Sahara issue. Furthermore, in 2014, Morocco provided significant military and intelligence support to the fight against Daesh led by the United Arab Emirates, notably by deploying six F-16 aircraft.
In addition to the Morocco-Emirates defense agreement, a military cooperation pact linking the two countries since 2006, and strengthened in 2014. This agreement frames their partnership in the areas of training, exchange of visits, support operational, technical, and material, and research in the military sector.
Military coordination
The acquisition of these planes will allow a strengthening of the Moroccan air force. The integration of these Mirage 2000-9E modernizes the Moroccan fleet and strengthens its air defense capabilities. This sale symbolizes the strength of the ties between the two countries and their desire for coordination on a military level.
In Morocco, the realization of this donation is welcomed by the Moroccan authorities, who see it as an important contribution to the modernization of their air force. In France, the sale sparked mixed reactions, with some fearing it could unbalance regional powers. The Spanish press expressed its dissatisfaction with this transaction, seen as a strengthening of a regional rival.
