Latest news with #AimeeCutrona
Ya Biladi
04-07-2025
- Business
- Ya Biladi
Morocco and U.S. firm L3Harris sign defense deal to upgrade C-130 capabilities
Yesterday, Morocco's National Defense Administration formalized a strategic agreement with American company L3Harris Technologies. The partnership «reinforces our shared commitment to strengthening Morocco's C-130 capabilities and deepening collaboration between our nations' industries», said Aimee Cutrona, Chargé d'affaires at the U.S. Embassy in Rabat, in a post on X. She added that the agreement is «a milestone moment in the ongoing U.S.-Morocco partnership in defense and aerospace. Together, the U.S. and Morocco are making both of our countries safer, stronger, and more prosperous». L3Harris Technologies already equips the Royal Armed Forces' (FAR) F-16s with smart weapon systems, enabling pilots to double their aircraft's payload capacity. In recent months, the FAR has been exploring options to expand its fleet of C-130 Hercules aircraft, manufactured by U.S. defense giant Lockheed Martin. Moroccan pilots have even tested the C-390 Millennium, produced by Brazilian company Embraer.
Ya Biladi
27-05-2025
- Politics
- Ya Biladi
African Lion 2025 wraps up with Morocco at the heart of multinational security
The 21st edition of the African Lion 2025 military exercise has concluded this week after mobilizing over 10,000 troops from 50+ nations across Morocco, Ghana, Senegal, and Tunisia, announces a press release. For the first time, the exercise integrated defensive cyber operations and expanded CBRN (Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear) scenarios, alongside joint academic training. U.S. Marine Corps Gen. Michael Langley, Commander of U.S. Africa Command, praised Morocco's role: «I want to thank Morocco for hosting African Lion and helping strengthen our collective security through rigorous, multinational training». Highlighting Morocco's strategic importance, U.S. Embassy Chargée d'Affaires Aimee Cutrona said, «As a major non-NATO ally and historic security partner, Morocco plays a pivotal role in promoting regional stability». The exercise featured HIMARS fire missions, airborne and amphibious operations, maritime interdiction, and humanitarian civic assistance programs that treated over 1,200 patients in rural areas. «Our medical personnel built readiness by executing critical war-time skills», noted U.S. Army Col. Kelley Togiola. Maj. Gen. Andrew Gainey, Commanding General of SETAF-AF, summed up AL25's impact: «African Lion 25 was a clear demonstration of how we project power, build trust, and deliver results… That's what readiness looks like—and that's what deterrence demands».
