More than 5,000 military personnel from over 40 countries have commenced Exercise African Lion 2026, the largest annual joint military drill conducted on the African continent, as global powers expand security cooperation amid shifting geopolitical dynamics.
The exercise is led by United States Africa Command (AFRICOM), currently headed by U.S. Air Force General Dagvin R.M. Anderson, who assumed command in August 2025, succeeding General Michael E. Langley of the U.S. Marine Corps.
Running from April 27 to May 8, the multinational drills are taking place across Morocco, Ghana, Senegal, and Tunisia, involving military forces, reserve units, and more than 30 defence industry partners, according to reports.
The exercise is designed to improve interoperability among participating forces and enhance readiness for crisis response operations in Africa and beyond.
It comes at a time when the United States is working to strengthen its strategic presence in Africa, even as several countries on the continent increasingly diversify their security partnerships with powers such as Russia and China.
Meanwhile, France’s traditional military influence in West Africa has declined following troop withdrawals and the end of defence agreements in countries including Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger.
The drills feature multi-domain operations covering land, air, maritime, space, and cyber components, reflecting modern warfare strategies that rely on integrated defence systems.
About 100 U.S. Air Force personnel drawn from active duty, Air National Guard, and Reserve units are participating under what is described as a “Total Force” approach aimed at improving coordination and operational readiness.
Training activities began in Tunisia, where U.S. Marines are working alongside local special forces on tactical operations involving ground sensors under both day and night conditions.
Logistics and support operations are also being conducted in Morocco, with Air Force and National Guard units assisting in communications, command simulations, and joint data-sharing systems.
African Lion remains one of the largest and most significant military exercises in Africa under AFRICOM, bringing together NATO allies and partner nations in a coordinated effort to strengthen defence cooperation.
Analysts say the exercise highlights Africa’s increasing importance in global security planning, as international powers continue to compete for influence while addressing ongoing insurgencies and regional instability.
