A new era of military cooperation: Morocco and the US join forces in Tan-Tan
The Moroccan-American Multidomain Training and Experimentation Center (AMTEC) is taking shape in Tan-Tan, designed to revolutionize military collaboration between African and Western partners. This ambitious project, structured around three core components, aims to modernize defense capabilities through advanced technologies and enhanced interoperability.
Three pillars to strengthen military readiness
The initiative is built on a Multidomain Training Area (MDTA), an Academy for Drone Technologies (MTDA), and an Innovation and Experimentation Center. The MDTA will provide a high-level training ground where forces can simulate operations across complex environments, including full-spectrum electromagnetic warfare scenarios.
The MTDA will focus on training African operators in small unmanned aerial systems (sUAS), with a strong emphasis on counterterrorism operations in West Africa. Meanwhile, the Innovation Center will serve as a rapid prototyping hub for emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, autonomous systems, and next-generation communications. A key priority will be developing cost-effective, scalable solutions tailored to Africa’s operational realities.
A dual-purpose project: security and economic growth
Beyond its military applications, AMTEC is set to foster economic and technological development. The project encourages collaboration between defense industries, research institutions, and academic bodies, creating an innovation ecosystem centered on cutting-edge technologies. This initiative could also serve as a testing ground for wireless communications and detection systems, while supporting infrastructure development in remote regions.
Morocco’s strategic role in defense innovation
General Mohammed Berrid, Inspector General of the Royal Moroccan Armed Forces (FAR), highlighted the country’s readiness to bring this vision to life. “Morocco’s existing infrastructure and skilled workforce position it as an ideal partner for the US in bringing this project from concept to operational reality,” he stated. The Kingdom’s industrial reliability and strategic location make it a natural leader in this partnership.
General Dagvin Anderson, Commander of AFRICOM, described the initiative as a “game-changing opportunity” for both African and American defense industries and academic institutions to co-develop solutions for emerging security challenges.
African Lion 2027: a milestone for AMTEC
The first major test of AMTEC’s capabilities will come with African Lion 2027, an annual US-Morocco military exercise. Already a key event for integrating advanced technologies into live operations, this exercise will serve as the proving ground for the new center’s operational framework.