The US State Department has approved Morocco’s purchase of Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missiles (AMRAAM) and related equipment, strengthening the nation’s defense capabilities.
Key Details of the Deal
- Package Value: Up to $88.37 million.
- Components Included:
- 30 AIM-120C-8 AMRAAM missiles.
- Telemetry kits, spare parts, and classified software.
- Technical and logistics support, along with training for the Royal Army Forces.
- Purpose: The missiles will complement Morocco’s F-16 Block 72 fighter jet fleet, bolstering its ability to secure borders, counter terrorism, and combat trafficking activities.
- Prime Contractor: RTX Corporation, headquartered in Tucson, Arizona.
Strategic Significance
The US State Department highlighted the deal’s alignment with American foreign policy and national security objectives, stating it would enhance the security of Morocco, a key non-NATO ally. The country is recognized as a stabilizing force for political and economic progress in North Africa.
Morocco’s Defense Partnership with the US
- Morocco is Africa’s leading purchaser of US military equipment, with total acquisitions exceeding $8.5 billion.
- The approval of the AMRAAM sale underscores deepening defense ties between Rabat and Washington.
This acquisition reflects Morocco’s commitment to modernizing its defense capabilities and maintaining its strategic partnership with the United States.
