25 F-16s, 24 Apaches, 162 Abrams: behind the $12.7 billion announced for Morocco
Since 2016, US arms programs for Morocco have amounted to $12.728 billion. F-16s, Apache helicopters, Abrams tanks and missiles account for most of this amount, with deliveries spread over several years.
This tally was compiled by El Periódico, which traces ten years of contracts and authorizations granted by Washington. The equipment involved ranges from guided munitions to combat aircraft, as well as long-range artillery and air defense systems.
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The main program concerns the 25 new F-16 Block 72s approved in 2019, along with their engines, radars, electronic systems, weapons, spare parts and support equipment. The package was valued at $3.787 billion by the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency. Modernizing the 23 F-16s already operated by Morocco represents an additional $985.2 million.
Apache helicopters make up the other major component of the total. The US authorization covered 36 aircraft, including 12 as an option, as well as Hellfire missiles, Longbow radars, engines and training services, for a maximum value of $4.25 billion. Morocco’s contract covers 24 helicopters, of which several batches have already been delivered to the Royal Armed Forces.
From Abrams tanks to long-range missiles
The tally also includes $1.259 billion for upgrading 162 Abrams tanks. This is complemented by several TOW anti-tank missile programs, including an order for 2,400 units and associated equipment valued at $776 million.
In April 2023, Washington approved the provision of 18 HIMARS launchers, 40 ATACMS tactical missiles and several dozen guided rockets for $524.2 million. The first ten launchers destined for Morocco appear in the US schedule for 2027.
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Authorizations granted in December 2024 add $88.37 million for AMRAAM air-to-air missiles and $86 million for 500 GBU-39B guided bombs. In April 2025, the United States also approved an $825 million program covering 600 Stinger anti-aircraft missiles and their equipment.
The F-16s, their modernization and the Apaches alone account for just over $9 billion. Together with the Abrams, HIMARS, TOW, Stinger and AMRAAM missiles, as well as the various guided munitions, they explain most of the $12.728 billion recorded since 2016.
