Morocco receives six more Apache helicopters as US prepares them for African Lion
Morocco’s Apache fleet now totals 19 of the 24 attack helicopters ordered from the United States. The third delivery was officially marked in Salé, as Washington prepares the helicopters to take part in upcoming joint military exercises.
The six new AH-64E helicopters were presented on Monday, October 26, at the Royal Moroccan Air Force’s first air base, near Rabat. US General Matthew W. Brown took part in the ceremony alongside Royal Armed Forces officials, according to the US Army SETAF-AF command’s statement.
The fleet has been built up in three stages: six aircraft received in March 2025, seven more in May 2026, and then this third batch of six. Morocco’s order is now nearly 80% complete, with five helicopters still to come.
On Bladi.net : Morocco Apache Helicopters Military Upgrade 2024
The current program is valued at nearly $1.3 billion by the US military. Washington considered a larger sale in 2019: up to 36 aircraft, including twelve as an option, with a ceiling of $4.25 billion, according to official US documents.
African fleet unmatched for this version
Along with Egypt, Morocco is one of two African countries that operate the Apache, but it is the only one to have the AH-64E version. The helicopters are designed for attack, reconnaissance and ground troop support missions.
The 2019 US notification provided for Hellfire missiles, 30 mm cannons, targeting systems and training resources, among other items. It also detailed maintenance and support services to accompany the acquisition of the aircraft.
On Bladi.net : 24 units, Hellfire missiles and 30 mm cannon: The behind-the-scenes of the giant armed contract between Morocco and t…
The delivery also marks a new stage in joint training. Pilots and ground forces from the two countries are to work together on the Apaches during upcoming editions of African Lion, General Brown announced.
The training is part of the 2026-2036 military cooperation roadmap, signed at the Pentagon in April. The 2027 edition of African Lion is due to begin in Morocco on April 19.
