US Approves $175 Million Weapons Sale to Boost Morocco’s Air Force

Morocco continues its arms race against Algeria. According to the specialized portal defence web, the US State Department approved on December 20 the sale to Morocco of AIM-120 AMRAAM air-to-air missiles and Boeing GBU-39B small-diameter bombs from the United States for $175 million. The relevant notifications have already been sent to Congress. In detail, Morocco has requested the purchase of 500 Boeing GBU-39B I (SDB-I) small-diameter bombs and two inert GBU-39 (T-1)/B training bombs, as well as training ammunition, spare parts and support, for a total estimated cost of $86 million" and the purchase of 30 RTX Corporation advanced medium-range AIM-120C-8 AMRAAM air-to-air missiles, as well as an AIM-120C-8 guidance section and telemetry kits, spare parts and other equipment for a total cost of $88.37 million.

"The proposed sale will improve the Kingdom of Morocco’s ability to address current and future threats by ensuring it has modern and capable air-to-air munitions to fulfill its mission of securing its borders and territorial waters, combating terrorism and illicit trafficking, and utilizing its recently acquired fleet of F-16 Block 72 aircraft," the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) said.

To continue strengthening its military capabilities, Morocco has a defense budget of 133 billion dirhams ($13 billion) for 2025, up 7.25% from 2024. The kingdom plans to purchase aircraft, tanks and air defense systems, etc.