The 21st edition of African Lion has concluded, showcasing the largest and most dynamic multinational military exercise in its over-25-year history, with participation from over 10,000 troops representing more than 50 nations across four countries: Morocco, Ghana, Senegal, and Tunisia.
This year’s African Lion 25 incorporated first-time defensive cyber operations and expanded scenarios addressing chemical, biological, radioactive, and nuclear (CBRN) threats. It also emphasized rigorous multinational academic instruction.
Maj. Gen. Andrew C. Gainey, the commanding general of U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF), highlighted the significance of this exercise by stating, “African Lion 25 was a clear demonstration that a combined approach of joint and multinational capabilities enhanced the readiness and lethality of our warfighters.”
The exercise featured a wide range of military operations including HIMARS fire missions, airborne operations, amphibious landings, maritime interdiction, and high-level planning exercises, asserting the United States’ commitment to strengthening regional security and building enduring partnerships.
One of the key components of African Lion 25 was its humanitarian civic assistance (HCA) programs, where medical professionals treated over 10,000 patients across Morocco, Ghana, and Senegal.
“This has been one of the most diverse and capable teams we’ve brought to African Lion,” remarked U.S. Air Force Col. Micah Smith, commander of the 151st Medical Group.
With expertise in various medical fields, including cardiology and pulmonology, the integrated team operated 17 clinics in collaboration with about 180 Moroccan partners, emphasizing their commitment to the local population. The effort offered much-needed care to countless individuals who otherwise wouldn’t have access to such medical services.
On the logistics front, impressive coordination moved several thousand short tons of cargo across borders. Lt. Col. Tim Dowd, lead sustainment planner for the 79th Theater Sustainment Command, remarked on the exercise’s significance in validating the U.S. military’s logistical capabilities.
“The African Lion Exercise provides us the opportunity to put into practice the planning we have completed to set the theater for sustainment operations,” he stated. The logistics operations demonstrated an ability to adapt and maintain robust support networks across multiple entry points.
In Morocco, the exercise advanced regional training with a broad spectrum of academic instruction, including joint planning, cyber defense, and public affairs courses.
Aimee Cutrona, Chargée d’Affaires for the U.S. Embassy in Rabat, reinforced the significance of these efforts in enhancing interoperability among allies. She affirmed the importance of Morocco as a historic security partner and a major non-NATO ally.
The exercise took on innovative facets in Tunisia, where the application of cyber offense training allowed for red-team experimentation, a notable first. This year, the 1st Battalion, 57th Air Defense Artillery Regiment effectively employed the Avenger Weapon System, showcasing mobile short-range air defense capabilities.
Furthermore, the 173rd Airborne Brigade secured host-nation approval for deploying drone systems during maneuvers—a milestone in multilateral technological integration. Tunisian Senior Col. Majid Mguidich remarked on the importance of enhancing joint coordination and knowledge exchange during the exercise.
In Ghana, the U.S. forces, alongside partner nations, conducted a multinational medical readiness exercise (MEDREX), a medical civic action program (MEDCAP), and a planning exercise (PLANEX), fostering health resilience and interoperability among African and U.S. planners.
Lt. Col. Mary Stuever, director of trauma for Landstuhl Regional Medical Center, underscored the integral role of exercises like African Lion in solidifying bilateral military relationships, noting Ghana’s reliability as a partner in West Africa.
The conditions in Senegal presented their own challenges, with participating U.S. Soldiers training in extreme heat exceeding 100 degrees Fahrenheit.
This intense environment allowed for practical exercises involving HIMARS fire coordination, airborne operations, and civil-military engagements.
Brig. Gen. Daniel Cederman, SETAF-AF deputy commanding general for the Army Reserve, articulated three main objectives for the exercise in Senegal: to enhance lethality and readiness among all forces, to build true interoperability for crisis scenarios, and to exchange best practices and cultural insights among diverse forces.
As African Lion 25 drew to a close, the scope and complexity of the exercise underscored its strategic value beyond mere tactical achievements.
Gen. Michael Langley, commander of U.S. Africa Command, expressed gratitude towards Morocco for its role in hosting and enhancing collective security through challenging training initiatives.
He stated, “Exercises like African Lion showcase the value of our relationships with African partners, demonstrating our readiness to confront common threats and promote peace through demonstrated military presence.”
African Lion is poised to grow even further, with AL25 planned to be the largest annual military exercise in Africa, set to bring together over 50 nations, including seven NATO allies, for approximately six weeks in April and May 2025.
This future endeavor reiterates the U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa’s role in preparing forces, executing crisis responses, and bolstering alliances to achieve strategic campaign objectives throughout Europe and Africa.
African Lion reflects the commitment to enhancing military readiness and cooperation to advance shared objectives in an increasingly complex global landscape.
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