The Moroccan army is equipping itself with the best combat helicopters in the world

The role of combat helicopters would be crucial in the event of an armed conflict between Spain and Morocco, which claims the autonomous cities of Ceuta and Melilla. In this perspective, Morocco launched last year with Boeing an order to purchase 24 units of AH-64E Apache helicopters, La Razon believes, adding that the Royal Air Force should receive the first model of this latest generation aircraft in the coming months. The Apache AH-64E is one of the best attack helicopters in the world, ahead of the Russian models Mi-28 Havoc or the Ka-52 Alligator.

Work is underway at the Khouribga military base in Morocco to accommodate these Apache helicopters capable of detecting 256 potential targets at a distance of up to 16 kilometers and moving at a speed of up to 300 kilometers per hour. It can take up to 16 laser-guided Hellfire missiles against tanks and carry up to 76 rockets against unarmored targets. The aircraft has a powerful 30mm front cannon capable of firing 600 rounds per minute, says its manufacturer, Boeing, specifying that this model is equipped with the latest communication, navigation, sensor and weapon systems.

Spain, for its part, has the Tiger helicopter. The country has acquired from Eurocopter six HAP (Helicopter of Attack and Protection) units for the air force of the army (Famet) and has launched the construction of 18 units of its own version, the HAD (Attack and Destruction Helicopter). The Tiger HAD, also called HA-28, is a multifunctional helicopter capable of handling all kinds of missions in the event of nuclear, biological or chemical attacks. The aircraft has a 30mm front cannon, capable of firing 450 rounds per minute and with a range of 2.5 kilometers. Spain plans to modernize its Tigers to the MkIII version and include Link16 and Satcom functionalities.

Both the Apache AH-64E acquired by Morocco and the Spanish Tiger have exceptional technological capabilities. While the Tiger stands out for its agility and versatility, the Apache stands out for its power and ability to operate in hostile environments. The two devices can reach a maximum speed of around 300 km/h, have a flight altitude of 4,000 meters and a maximum weight between 6,100 and 6,600 kilograms, depending on the model. According to Infodefensa, Spain plans to acquire the NH90 or the H145M from Airbus to bring more "flexibility and efficiency" to its army.