The Kingdom of Morocco is set to bolster its military capabilities with a massive arms purchase from the United States.
The $175 million deal, approved by the US State Department on December 20, includes the sale of AIM-120 AMRAAM air-to-air missiles and GBU-39B Small Diameter Bombs.
The package comprises 500 Boeing GBU-39B Small Diameter Bombs, including two inert practice bombs, training rounds, spares, and support, valued at $86 million. Additionally, Morocco will acquire up to 30 RTX Corporation AIM-120C-8 Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missiles, along with telemetry kits, spares, and other equipment, worth $88.37 million.
According to the Defence Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA), this sale will enhance Morocco’s ability to counter current and future threats, securing its borders and territorial waters, and combating terrorism and illicit trafficking. The newly acquired arms will also support Morocco’s F-16 Block 72 fleet operations ².
The Royal Moroccan Air Force currently operates 23 F-16C/D Block 50/52 aircraft, which are set to be upgraded to the latest F-16V Block 70/72 standard, approved by the US Defence Security Cooperation Agency in 2019 at a cost of $985.2 million.
