US, African partners begin planning largest military exercise on African continent

AGADIR, Morocco-The initial planning event (IPE) for exercise African Lion 2025 (AL25) took place from Sept. 9-20, setting the stage for the multinational military exercise scheduled for spring 2025 across Morocco, Tunisia, Ghana and Senegal.

AL25 stands as U.S. Africa Command's (AFRICOM) largest annual multinational military exercise, with participation from over 20 nations, including NATO allies. The exercise will focus on military readiness, training for humanitarian assistance and peacekeeping missions, as well as strengthening ties between U.S. forces and African nations.

"African Lion is not merely a military exercise; it is a strategic demonstration of our collective commitment to peace, security and regional stability," said U.S. Army Lt. Col. Alayham Alawaj, African Lion exercise chief, U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF). "By collaborating with our U.S. and African partners, we enhance our ability to address emerging challenges and reinforce a unified approach to confronting security threats across the region."

The IPE provided a platform for U.S. and African planners to establish the structure, objectives and operations of the upcoming exercise, ensuring seamless coordination across the four host countries.

The week prior, U.S. planners met with the Tunisian Armed Forces in Tunisia, demonstrating the extensive groundwork required to ensure the success of this multinational event.

"The initial planning event for exercise African Lion is critical in developing a plan that is executable, well synchronized, and masterfully executed. African Lion is an all domain, combined, and joint exercise with hundreds of units participating in it," said Mr. Eldridge Browne, SETAF-AF chief of exercises. "The exercise is complex, occurring in four countries spanning the size of the United States. It has strategic implications and has participants from over forty countries across four continents. African Lion is all about interoperability, security cooperation, shared best practices and building relationships in preparation for crisis".

AL25 significance extends beyond the military training grounds.

As an annual exercise involving U.S. forces and partner nations, it solidifies diplomatic and defense relationships that continue to shape U.S. strategic engagement in Africa.

This year, the exercise will feature the deployment of over 100 military units to include the U.S. Army's 173rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), special operations forces, Naval Forces Europe-Africa, Marine Corps Forces Europe-Africa, and Air Forces in Europe and Africa across the four host nations, underscoring the exercise's comprehensive scope.

"These exercises show that the joint force is a mobile, agile force capable of responding to crises anywhere on the continent," said U.S. Navy Lt. Cdr. Yen Chew, U.S. 6th Fleet exercise planner. "Our ability to deploy and operate in diverse environments is a testament to our training, readiness and the strength of our partnerships."

Ghana, a long-time participant in African Lion, will once again play a significant role in the exercise.

Ghanaian forces will participate in joint military training, civil affairs operations and staff exercises aimed at building the capacity of its military forces to respond to internal and regional security threats. This partnership continues to enhance Ghana's military readiness while reinforcing the U.S.-Ghana bilateral relationship.

"These exercises provide a critical platform for enhancing our operational readiness and fortifying strategic partnerships," said Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) Col. George Dottey, lead exercise planner. "By working closely with our regional partners, we not only bolster our collective security, but also strengthen the foundations of regional stability and interoperability."

Senegal, another key partner in AL25, will engage in maritime and peacekeeping operations. As part of its involvement in this year's exercise, Senegalese forces will conduct joint naval training with U.S. and NATO forces, enhancing their capabilities in securing vital waterways and combatting piracy.

"This year's African Lion exemplifies the importance of multi-nation collaboration in bolstering regional security and preparedness," said Isaac Gallegos, AL25 Senegal lead exercise planner, SETAF-AF. "Working closely with our partners from Senegal not only strengthens our operational capabilities, but also deepens the strategic bonds necessary for long-term stability in Africa.

Tunisia's involvement in the IPE highlighted the strategic depth of AL25. Tunisia will play a pivotal role in next year's exercise, as they partner with U.S. and partner nations in military operations ranging from humanitarian missions to large-scale combat exercises. Tunisia's strategic location in North Africa and its stable political landscape make it a crucial ally in promoting regional security and countering terrorism.

"Planning with our Tunisian partners has been invaluable in ensuring that African Lion strengthens both our collective readiness and regional security," said U.S. Army Maj. Jay Jackson, AL25 Tunisia lead exercise planner, SETAF-AF. "Through exercises like this, we can refine our operational strategies and enhance the cooperation that is crucial for addressing emerging threats across North Africa.

About African Lion

African Lion is U.S. Africa Command's largest, premier, joint, annual exercise hosted by Morocco, Ghana, Senegal and Tunisia. This joint all-domain, multi-component, and multinational exercise, employs a full array of mission capabilities with the goal to strengthen interoperability among participants and build readiness to respond to crises and contingencies in Africa and around the world.

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About SETAF-AF

SETAF-AF providesU.S. Africa Command and U.S. Army Europe and Africa a dedicated headquarters to synchronize Army activities in Africa and scalable crisis-response options in Africa and Europe.

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