UAE delays Mirage fighter transfer to Morocco amid rising Middle East tensions
April 15, 2026
Morocco’s plans to modernise its air force have been dealt a setback, as the delivery of ex-Emirati Mirage 2000-9 fighter jets faces delays amid rising tensions in the Middle East.
As its neighbour and rival, Algeria, receives Russian Su-57 and Su-35S fighter jets, the Moroccan Air Force is keen to get its hands on its Mirage 2000-9s. Morocco is also set to receive new F-16s, but hasn’t yet confirmed to have placed an order for F-35s.
The agreement by UAE to supply Mirage fighters to Morocco
According to a new article by Morocco World News, the country’s expected delivery of 30 Mirage 2000-9s from the UAE will now be delayed. The issue is the war in the Middle East that has led the UAE to become reluctant to part with its Mirages during a period of heightened regional instability.
The delivery is part of a 2021 three-way deal between France, the UAE, and Morocco. Under the deal, the UAE ordered 80 Rafale F4 fighter jets from France, and the UAE would then donate 30 of its old Mirage 2000-9Es to Morocco.
At first, France blocked the transfer, saying its approval was needed to transfer the jets to Rabat. French hesitation was partially due to its wanting the jets to go to Ukraine instead.
The UAE is decommissioning its Dassault Mirage 2000-9 fighter jets as new Rafale F4 jets are introduced
— Business Insider Africa (@BusInsiderSSA) January 30, 2026
The transfer of the Mirage fleet to other nations, such as Morocco, requires France's approval under original manufacturing agreements
Morocco's potential acquisition of the… pic.twitter.com/7qmS2WwnUk
France has only been able to supply single-digit numbers of Mirages from its own stocks to Ukraine. But France relented in 2024, when it also recognised Moroccan sovereignty over the Western Sahara.
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Fallout from the Gulf war and other uncertainties
Following French approval, it was expected that the jets would be transferred to Morocco around 2027. But following the war in the Gulf, Abu Dhabi now wants to keep these jets until the Rafales are fully delivered and integrated.
UAE Ministry of Defense today showed us how UAE AF’s advanced F-16s & Mirage 2000 have been destroying Iranian rockets in the last 4 days
— 🇦🇪 HGS (@Sajwani) March 3, 2026
100s of Al Qayam ballistic missiles
100s of Shaheh 136, Shahed 107, and Shahed 238 drones
Multiple cruise missiles
RECEIPTS are here ! pic.twitter.com/4a4gj0yHcB
The first Rafales are expected to arrive in 2026, with the last following in 2031. Despite the delay, the UAE is reported to be investing in their maintenaince to ensure they are in prime condition when they are eventually transferred to Morocco.
Moroccan military and technical personnel were dispatched to the UAE to assist in defending the country from Iranian attacks. It is the only Arab country to provide that level of direct field support alongside the UK, Ukraine, France, and other international actors.
Adding to the uncertainty is the UAE’s withdrawal from funding the Rafale F5 upgrade with France and broader concerns about its commitment to the Rafale programme.
Morocco is also expecting the first of its 24 F-16 Block 70/72 fighter jets from the United States in 2026. Additionally, it has contracted to upgrade its legacy jets to the modern Viper standard.
Algeria and Morocco’s arms race
An overlooked arms race of sorts is taking place in North Africa. Algeria is reportedly spending as much as 8% of its GDP on military expenditures and is purchasing Su-35S and Su-57 fighter jets from Russia.
Algeria remains one of Russia’s few remaining loyal military customers.
The military buildup and ambitions in Algeria are breathtaking and have some questioning how sustainable it is. Algeria is one of the primary suppliers of gas to Europe and is able to use those revenues to fund its military.
Morocco is taking a different approach. The country is seemingly refusing to match its rival and embark on a breakneck military build-up, but has ramped up spending to around 3.5% of GDP.
There had been rumours that Morocco would become the next customer for the F-35 fighter jet, but that has not yet eventuated. Instead, Morocco seems intent on maintaining its course on equipping its forces with hand-me-downs from other nations and focusing on building its economy.
Morocco is particularly notable for now boasting a significant and growing aerospace sector.
Featured Image: Dassault
