Morocco’s Apache Helicopter Purchase Shifts Military Balance with Spain

The authorization for the sale of 36 H64 E helicopters by the American manufacturer Boeing at low prices and in a short time to Morocco dates back to November 2019. Subsequently, the kingdom confirmed the acquisition of 24 aircraft for $3 billion. The version to be delivered to the country is the latest variant of the Apache AH-64E. The aircraft has an AN/APG-78 Longbow radar, and the AN/ASQ-170 sighting basket.

As for the armaments, the Moroccan Apache will be able to fire laser or radar-guided Hellfire missiles, APKWS (Hydra) rockets, air-to-air Stinger missiles and the 30mm M230E1 cannon guided by the shooter’s helmet. This 10-ton vehicle will have a missile launch warning system AAR-57, a laser illumination warning system LWS, infrared countermeasures ICMD and a radar warning system RWR.

Also, the Apache Guardian will have a drone control system MUM-T, which allows communication and guidance of drones to increase the aircraft’s reconnaissance capabilities. Enough to worry Morocco’s neighboring countries, especially Spain.

The helicopter’s long endurance in the combat zone and its possible transformation into a long-range reconnaissance tool useful for airborne operations but also for the preparation of air raids in support of the F-16 Viper that the Moroccan army has, is the other asset that worries the Spanish army, according to Maghreb Intelligence.

According to military experts, Morocco acquires fewer weapons than Spain and Algeria but has managed to reconfigure its army into a very efficient tool. This is thanks to a harmonization of its various weapon systems.