Spain’s withdrawal from the “F-35” deal opens the door for Morocco to own the ghostly fighter
The military scene in the western Mediterranean is witnessing outstanding changes after Spain announced permanently abandoning the purchase of the American F-35 fighters, in a move that opens widely for Morocco to conclude a deal that would make it the first Arab and African country to own this developed fighter.
The Arab Defense website-August 14, 2025: In the western Mediterranean, new security equations are formed, as Spain officially announced that it would give up the purchase of American F-35 fighters, preferring to join European defense projects, while international reports suggest that Morocco is close to concluding a historical deal with Washington to acquire this advanced plane. Such a step, if completed, the balance of power in the region may change, amid questions about the ability of the Moroccan economy to bear a cost of up to 17 billion dollars.
The sudden Spanish decision raised warnings in the military circles in Madrid, especially as Rabat advanced in its negotiations with the United States to obtain ghost fighters, at a time when Spain abandoned a $ 10 billion deal. Military experts believe that the “F-35” capabilities of hiding and vertical boot gives their owner a regional air superiority in the short term.
The Pedro Sanchez government made it clear that its decision is a preference for the guidance of about 85% of the defense budget to European programs, such as the “Eurofighter Typhoon” fighter and the joint project to fight the sixth generation “FCAS”, in compliance with the support of the European military industry. However, this trend leaves a gap in the Spanish air and naval capabilities.
Morocco, despite the economic challenges, continues to develop its air force, especially after the deal that Algeria concluded at the beginning of the year to buy advanced Russian fighters. Israeli reports indicate that Rabat is signing an agreement with the company “Lockheed Martin” worth $ 17 billion to buy 32 fighters from the fifth generation. On the other hand, the Spanish government justifies its position by its desire to invest billions of euros in joint European defense programs, including a sixth generation fighter project.
In the regional scene, analysts believe that Morocco has greater chances of winning this deal, especially with Donald Trump’s return to the White House, given the political support he had previously presented to the Moroccan position on the Sahara issue.
In Spain, Moroccan -American military rapprochement raises some circles, not only because of the military balance, but also for fear that Madrid’s role is declining as a strategic ally of Washington in the western Mediterranean, especially with the presence of American military bases in southern Spain that includes about 4,000 soldiers. This concern also feeds on political differences between Madrid and Washington, including the Spanish position on the war on Gaza, its cooperation with Chinese companies in the field of communications, and its refusal to increase defense spending according to NATO requirements.
Although some of the voices in the Spanish media believe that Morocco’s 30 or even 50 -generation aircraft will not pose a direct threat to Spain, other concerns focus on the possibility of Morocco to turn into the preferred military partner of the United States in the region.
According to the Spanish media, the Spanish position may give Morocco an opportunity to achieve a qualitative leap in the field of air force, thanks to the advanced “F-35” capabilities to hide from the radars, implement accurate long-term strikes, and integrate with modern American defense systems. However, this Moroccan ambition raises concerns with some neighboring countries, especially in Spain, where local media sees that this entry into this Fighters to service in the Royal Armed Forces will change the rules of the game and affect the balance of the traditional powers between Morocco and Spain, especially in the absence of such ghost planes from the Spanish arsenal.
The decision of Spain to abandon the American deal is due, according to the analyzes, to the reasons for ideological and economic, including the political dispute between the Spanish socialist government and the administration of US President Donald Trump, in addition to the high cost of the deal, which would have reached 17 billion dollars compared to 30 aircraft, which prompted Madrid to invest 8.5 billion euros in alternative European projects.
On the American side, it is likely that Washington may agree to provide Morocco with “F-35” because it is an old strategic ally, and to send a punitive message to Spain, which has not committed to its defensive spending according to NATO requirements. However, Washington’s approval will remain hostage that the influential NATO countries will not object, as this may constitute the main obstacle to the potential deal.
The article appeared to withdraw Spain from the “F-35” deal that opens the door for Morocco to own the ghost fighter first on the Arab defense site.
