Special Operations Forces in international cooperation

African Lion 2026 is the largest annual joint exercise of the United States Africa Command (USAFRICOM), which is scheduled to take place between 20 April and 8 May 2026 in Ghana, Morocco, Senegal and Tunisia with the participation of more than 40 countries.

The objective of the exercise is to enhance the collective security capabilities of African countries and global allies within the framework of a multi-component, multinational and all-domain joint training event.

“I consider Hungary’s participation in various multinational exercises held on the African continent, including African Lion, an outstanding opportunity, since besides developing the operational and tactical capabilities of the Special Operations Forces, these exercises provide us with an unparalleled occasion for strengthening forms of military cooperation among the nations” – emphasized General Dr. Gábor Böröndi, Chief of HDF Defence Staff.

The Hungarian SOF troops will participate in live firing exercises in the training areas of Agadir, Tifnit and Cap Draa in Morocco, and execute joint tasks on the ground and in the air. One designated element of the exercise is the Tactical Combat Casualty Care (TCCC) training, which is provided for Ghanaian and Moroccan SOF soldiers. For the first time this year, the Hungarian Defence Forces will be represented on the venue by Hungarian snipers. Also for the first time, Hungarian Joint Terminal Attack Controller (JTAC) mentors will also support the exercise – they are going to share with participants the lessons learned about the control and coordination of aircraft.