US Approves $825 Million Stinger Missile Sale to Morocco

The US State Department had already approved the sale of these missiles to Morocco. The US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) has just confirmed this approval, a necessary step to allow Congress to authorize the transaction.

"Morocco intends to use these defense equipment and services to modernize its armed forces and expand its short-range air defense options," commented the DCSA in a statement quoted by Le Figaro, adding that "this sale will improve Morocco’s ability to respond to present and future threats."

The acquisition of these 600 Stinger missiles will allow Morocco to increase the "interoperability" of its army with those of the United States and other allied countries, the statement emphasizes. Washington and Rabat maintained excellent bilateral relations during Donald Trump’s first term (2017-2021).

In December 2020, Trump recognized Morocco’s sovereignty over the Sahara. Last week, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio received Nasser Bourita, the Moroccan Minister of Foreign Affairs, in Washington. On this occasion, he reaffirmed the United States’ support for "Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara."