More than 400 multinational service members have begun an academic training programme in Morocco as part of the African Lion-2026 military exercise, focusing on advanced capabilities including drones, cyberspace defence and satellite operations, organisers said.
The programme, taking place at Southern Zone Headquarters in Agadir from April 20 to May 1, forms the educational component of the wider African Lion exercise, one of the largest annual military drills on the continent.
According to organisers, the academic phase includes 22 intensive courses designed to strengthen technical expertise, improve decision-making speed and enhance operational coordination among partner forces.
The training is aimed at preparing participating troops for simulated combat scenarios by equipping them with skills relevant to modern multi-domain warfare, including land, air, cyber and space operations.
Courses cover a wide range of levels, from introductory instruction to advanced operational planning, allowing officers and personnel across different ranks to develop relevant capabilities. A key focus is the integration of unmanned aerial systems into both tactical and operational frameworks.
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The programme also places significant emphasis on emerging domains of warfare, particularly cyberspace security, electromagnetic operations and space-based systems. Officials say these areas are increasingly central to maintaining strategic advantage in complex and contested environments.
A dedicated 10-day cyberspace operations course is among the highlights of the academic phase, reflecting growing concern over digital vulnerabilities in military infrastructure. The training is designed to help partner nations strengthen network defence capabilities and improve resilience against cyber threats.
Organisers say the initiative is intended to support long-term regional stability by enabling participating countries to develop independent operational capabilities and reduce reliance on external support.
By combining classroom-based instruction with multinational collaboration, the exercise seeks to improve interoperability between partner forces and strengthen coordinated responses to security challenges.
The African Lion exercise, which involves forces from multiple countries alongside U.S. and African partners, has become a key platform for joint military training in North and West Africa.
Officials say the academic component plays a critical role in modernising training approaches, particularly as military operations increasingly rely on data-driven decision-making and advanced technology systems.
The inclusion of cyber and space-related modules reflects broader shifts in global defence priorities, where traditional battlefield tactics are increasingly complemented by digital and technological capabilities.
Organisers added that the programme is also designed to promote knowledge-sharing between participating nations, fostering collaboration on shared security concerns such as terrorism, maritime security and transnational threats.
As the academic phase continues in Agadir, participants are expected to transition into field exercises that will test the application of the skills acquired during training.
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The African Lion exercise has grown in scale over the years and is seen by participating nations as an important mechanism for strengthening regional defence cooperation and readiness.
With evolving security challenges across the continent, officials say initiatives such as African Lion-2026 are increasingly important for building adaptable, technologically capable and interoperable forces prepared for modern threats.
