U.S. Army to Test Counter-Drone Systems in Morocco in 2027
The U.S. Army will utilize training ranges in Tan-Tan, Morocco to evaluate new anti-drone technology.
Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in Terrorism
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In 2027, the U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa plans to test counter-drone systems in Tan-Tan, Morocco. The military aims to protect troops from small, low-cost drone threats.
Why it matters
African training ranges provide uncrowded airspace and open radio frequency spectrum necessary for rigorous testing. The initiative supports the Army goal to rapidly deploy vetted counter-drone solutions to soldiers within 180 days of evaluation.
The U.S. Army is currently testing a counter-drone technology called Curtain Call to verify performance. The military expects to evaluate tech from over a dozen suppliers during upcoming trials.
The players
U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa
This military command is responsible for directing Army operations and building partnerships across the African continent.
U.S. Africa Command
This unified combatant command is responsible for military relations and operations between the United States and African nations.
Global Tactical Edge Acquisition Directorate
This organization facilitates the rapid development and acquisition of new tactical technologies for military field use.
The details
Military officials are using the African Lion joint exercise as a proving ground to assess technology from more than 10 vendors. The U.S. Africa Command and Morocco have also agreed to establish a permanent training center in the region by 2030.
Timeline
May 2026: African Lion joint exercise occurs in Morocco.
May 8, 2026: U.S. and Moroccan generals visit Tan-Tan, Morocco.
July 2026: AFRICOM issues a statement regarding the range complex.
October 2026: SETAF-AF announces vendor scheduling for the Tan-Tan center.
2027: Army plans to conduct counter-drone system tests.
Legal Context
The U.S. Army is formalizing the African Lion joint exercise as a primary testing environment for new defense technologies. This shift mirrors broader efforts to adapt traditional training maneuvers into agile innovation hubs.
The development of these systems aims to enhance security against small-drone threats in operational zones. Residents and local authorities near Tan-Tan should expect increased military activity and coordination as the training center becomes operational.
The takeaway
This initiative signals a significant shift toward rapid, field-based testing for high-priority defensive technologies. Future military operations will likely rely on these international partnerships to counter evolving drone capabilities.
What happens next
The U.S. Army expects to finalize the establishment of a joint training center in Morocco by 2030.
Further reading
Learn more about evolving threats and defense strategies in the Terrorism section.
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Should the U.S. military increase its use of African nations as testing grounds for new technology?
