Morocco Bolsters Air Force with Multi-Nation Defense Acquisitions Amid Regional Tensions

Gradually, Morocco has a modern and deterrent air force at the moment, when tensions still persist in the region, observes the Moroccan think tank Moroccan Institute for Policy Analysis (MIPA) in a policy paper, highlighting the new acquisitions or ongoing orders. The kingdom has 23 F-16 fighter jets currently in operation and which should be upgraded to an F-16V configuration. Last year, the US State Department approved the sale of 25 F-16C/D Block 72 fighter jets. An acquisition of F-100 installation engines from Raytheon Technologies is also underway. These engines will be used on the F-16 fighters.

In addition to the 12 optional Boeing aircraft ordered in 2020, in a $4.25 billion deal, 24 AH-64 Apache helicopters will be delivered to Morocco starting in 2024. Other ongoing acquisitions: four MQ-9B SeaGuardian drones, equipped with laser and GPS-guided munitions. In January, Morocco received the Barak MX anti-missile system, manufactured by the Israeli company Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI). Harop kamikaze drones are also expected to be delivered to Morocco. The delivery of Mirage 2000-9 aircraft from the United Arab Emirates is also expected. Morocco has acquired thirteen Bayraktar TB2 combat drones from Turkey and has ordered six more. Morocco has also ordered the VL MICA ground-to-air defense system from the French company MBDA in a $192 million contract.

In addition to increasing its air capabilities, Morocco intends to strengthen aircraft maintenance, repair and production activities, particularly for drones, to reduce its dependence on imports and possibly export. Moroccan military spending reached, in 2020 and 2021, a proportion never before reached (4.3% compared to GDP), notes the think tank report. However, it is lower than that of Algeria, which has never fallen below 5.5% of GDP.