US Approves $524 Million HIMARS Sale to Morocco, Boosting Artillery Capabilities

In a statement from the U.S. Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA), the State Department has made a decision approving a potential foreign military sale to the Moroccan government of High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS) and related equipment at an estimated cost of $524.2 million. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency has today issued the required certification informing Congress of this potential sale, the DSCA assures.

Morocco will acquire 18 M142 HIMARS launchers, 40 M57 Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS), 36 M31A2 Guided Multiple Launch Rocket Systems (GMLRS), 36 M30A2 alternative warheads, and numerous other equipment from Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control, L3 Harris Communications, Raytheon, COBHAM Aerospace Connectivity, Oshkosh Defense, AAR Corporation, Cadillac and AM General. This transaction includes U.S. technical, logistical and engineering support.

According to the U.S. agency, the proposed sale will support U.S. foreign policy and national security "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." It "will also enhance the interoperability of the Royal Armed Forces (FAR), which regularly exercise with U.S. forces, focusing on counterterrorism and violent extremist organizations in the Maghreb and Sahel regions," it is specified.