The United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) and the Royal Armed Forces of the Kingdom of Morocco have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to establish the Africa Multidomain Training and Experimentation Center (AMTEC), a new training and technology testing hub for the African continent.
According to a statement issued by AFRICOM on Monday, the agreement was signed at the command’s headquarters and will create a platform for testing future wireless and sensing technologies.
The partnership is also expected to support African military partners in combating terrorism through the deployment of drones and other emerging technologies.
AFRICOM disclosed that AMTEC, which will be located in Tan-Tan, Morocco, is expected to become operational by 2030. The centre will consist of three major components: a Multidomain Training Area, a Drone Academy, and an Innovation and Experimentation Center.
The command explained that the Drone Academy will provide training for operators, planners, and instructors from Morocco and other African partner countries, with the aim of enhancing counterterrorism capabilities and addressing security threats across West Africa.
According to AFRICOM, the proposed Multidomain Training Area (MTDA) will offer a dedicated environment to ensure that forces and systems are adequately prepared to function effectively across different operational settings.
“The Innovation and Experimentation Centre will rapidly develop, test and evaluate emerging capabilities with a focus on low-cost, scalable solutions for counterterrorism and regional security operations,” the statement added.
Speaking on the development, Commander of U.S. AFRICOM, General Dagvin Anderson, said the new centre would strengthen preparedness and enhance the capabilities of both countries.
“This partnership represents a great opportunity for U.S. and African defense industrial bases as well as academic institutions to experiment, innovate and develop scalable, adaptable solutions across emerging technologies,” Anderson stated.
Also reacting, the Inspector General of the Royal Moroccan Armed Forces, General Mohammed Berrid, said Morocco’s existing infrastructure and experienced personnel demonstrate the country’s readiness to implement the initiative.
“Morocco’s readiness, demonstrated by our existing facilities and skilled personnel, ensures rapid progress from concept to operational reality and provides the Morocco and U.S. industries with a reliable and capable partner for joint innovation and export opportunities,” Berrid said.
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