Morocco Bolsters Military Arsenal Amid Rising North African Tensions

Morocco is strengthening its military arsenal through the acquisition of several military equipment and defense systems from the United States in recent years, reports El Debate. These include the F-16 and F-5 combat aircraft of American manufacture, which have considerably improved the country’s air capability, the Abrams M1A1 main battle tanks, air defense systems such as the Patriot PAC-3, as well as surveillance and attack drones. Morocco is one of the African countries that possess old Soviet material, including T-72 tanks, to whom the United States has offered lucrative deals as part of the supply of weapons to the Ukrainian forces. The kingdom has also acquired Harpoon Block II (AGM-84L) anti-ship missiles intended for the F-16 Viper fighter jets, 24 of which will be delivered to the Royal Armed Forces (FAR) in 2026, and medium and long-range Cruise missiles, from the American aerospace company Boeing.

In addition to these weapons, Morocco plans to acquire other military equipment and defense systems from the United States. Last June, the US State Department made a decision approving a potential foreign military sale to the Moroccan government of High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS) and related equipment for an estimated cost of $524.2 million. This is an order for 18 M142 HIMARS launchers equipped with several types of missiles, including the ATACMS semi-ballistic missiles with a range of 300 kilometers. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency had issued the required certification informing Congress of this potential sale.

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In March, the Pentagon announced that the US State Department had authorized the sale to Morocco of 612 FGM-148F Javelin missiles, including 12 missiles and 200 Javelin Command Launch Units (LWCLU) for an estimated amount of $260 million. This order also includes missile simulation towers; Javelin system support equipment, hand tools and measuring tools; books and publications, electrical and distribution equipment; components and support equipment; life cycle support and other technical assistance; shooter training; ammunition officer training; system integration and payment (SICO); maintenance training; tactical air and ground munitions (TAGM) and other related logistics and program support elements. The prime contractors for the anti-tank missiles are Lockheed Martin LMT.N and RTX Corp RTX.N.

"This sale is important for Morocco, which is strengthening its anti-armor capabilities with a product that has proven itself, particularly in Ukraine," said Abdelhamid Harifi, a military consultant for Médias24. The range of missiles and anti-armor means of the FAR, already wide, is thus reinforced. The Javelin also strengthens the firepower of the infantry, even if it is not motorized or mechanized."