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US Congress Set to Review Morocco's Acquisition of MQ-9B SeaGuardian Drones
The United States Congress is set to review Morocco's request to acquire the advanced MQ-9B SeaGuardian unmanned air vehicles. According to reports from the Spanish news outlet El Periodico de Ceuta, the US legislative body will soon consider the proposed agreement, marking a pivotal moment in defense relations with the North African kingdom.
The deal, which has been the subject of speculation since 2020, involves the acquisition of at least four MQ-9B SeaGuardian drones by Morocco. Reuters previously cited three US sources confirming that the US State Department had authorized the sale, although it was unclear whether the drones would be equipped with weaponry.
Manufactured by the American company General Atomics, the MQ-9B SeaGuardian is a cutting-edge unmanned air vehicle with impressive capabilities. It can fly for up to 40 hours in all weather conditions and is equipped with the Lynx Multi-mode Radar, an advanced electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) sensor, and automatic takeoff and landing systems. The SeaGuardian has a longer wingspan than its predecessors, measuring 79 feet (24 meters).
Morocco's interest in the MQ-9B SeaGuardian drones is part of a broader effort to modernize its military capabilities. The North African nation has invested heavily in upgrading its army, with the United States as its largest arms supplier, providing 69% of its weapons. France and Israel are also major arms providers to Morocco.
The proposed acquisition of the SeaGuardian drones has attracted attention because of Morocco's significant artillery strength. According to Insider Monkey, Morocco is among the top 20 countries worldwide in terms of artillery power, with 565 self-propelled artillery pieces, 306 towed artillery units, and 208 rocket launchers.
Additionally, a report from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) noted that Morocco, along with neighboring Algeria, accounted for 82% of North African military spending in the previous year. Military expenditure on the continent reached $51.6 billion in 2023, a significant 22% increase compared to 2022.
As the US Congress prepares to deliberate on Morocco's request, the outcome will likely have far-reaching implications for regional security and defense dynamics. The congressional review promises to be a key moment in the evolving geopolitical landscape of North Africa, with the world watching for its impact on future military partnerships and regional stability.