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The government of Morocco will acquire 18 High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems and 40 air-to-ground precision missiles in two separate foreign military sales.
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The US State Department has approved both possible foreign military sales and the Defense Security Cooperation Agency notified the US Congress on 11 April.
Morocco would receive 18 HIMARS, 40 M57 Army Tactical Missile Systems, 36 M30A2 Guided Multiple Launch Rocket Systems Alternative Warhead, nine high mobility multipurpose wheeled vehicles, and 18 International Field Artillery Tactical Data Systems as well as practice rocket pods, radios, cargo trucks, resupply vehicles, wrecker trucks, camouflage systems, and support equipment for an estimated US$524.2 million.
The US government and contractor personnel will visit the country for up to two years as part of the deal. Principal contracting companies include Lockheed Martin, L3Harris, Raytheon, Cobham Aerospace Connectivity, Oshkosh Defense, AAR Corporation, and AM General.
“This proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security of the United States by helping to improve the security of a major non-NATO ally that continues to be an important force for political stability and economic progress in North Africa,” a US Defense Security Cooperation Agency statement said.
“The proposed sale will improve Morocco’s capability to meet current and future threats and will contribute to Morocco’s ability to detect threats and control its borders, contributing to the maintenance of regional stability and security.
“It will also enhance the interoperability of the Royal Armed Forces, which routinely exercises with US forces, focusing on countering terrorism and violent extremist organisations in the Maghreb and Sahel region.”
In a separate foreign military sale, the government of Morocco will acquire 40 AGM-154C Joint Standoff Weapons (JSOW) for use on F-16 multi-role fighter jets at an estimated cost of US$250 million.
The deal will also include dummy air training missiles, captive flight vehicles, integration support, spare and repair parts, publications and technical documentation.
“The proposed sale will improve Morocco’s capability to meet current and future threats. Morocco intends to use the missiles on its F-16, multi-role fighter aircraft and will provide enhanced capabilities in effective defence of critical sea lanes,” the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency statement said.
“The proposed sale of these missiles and support will increase the Royal Moroccan Air Force’s maritime partnership potential and align its capabilities with existing regional baselines.”
The principal contractor will be Raytheon Missiles and sale implementation will require annual trips to Morocco involving the US government and contractor staff for around seven years.
