US Approves $86 Million Precision-Guided Bomb Sale to Morocco, Strengthening Strategic Alliance

Sunday 22 December 2024 - 07:35

By: Dakir Madiha

US Approves $86 Million Precision-Guided Bomb Sale to Morocco, Strengthening Strategic Alliance

Morocco is set to enhance its military capabilities following the US State Department's approval of an $86 million sale of precision-guided bombs, marking another significant development in the growing defense partnership between the two nations.

The approved package includes 500 GBU-39B Small Diameter Bombs (SDB-I) and two GBU-39 (T-1)/B inert practice bombs with fuze. The deal, announced by the Defense Security Cooperation Agency, also encompasses tactical training rounds, support equipment, spare parts, technical documentation, and personnel training programs.

Boeing Corporation, based in St. Louis, Missouri, will serve as the primary contractor for this military sale. The package includes comprehensive support elements such as weapons system support, testing equipment, repair services, and technical assistance, without requiring additional US personnel deployment to Morocco.

This acquisition aligns with Morocco's ambitious military modernization initiative, supported by a steadily increasing defense budget. The country has designated MAD 133.453 billion ($13 billion) for defense spending in 2025, representing an increase from $12 billion in 2024 and $11.4 billion in 2023, according to figures presented by Minister of Economy and Finance Nadia Fettah Alaoui.

The Defense Security Cooperation Agency emphasized that this sale "will support the foreign policy and national security of the United States by helping to improve the security of a major non-NATO ally that continues to be an important force for political stability and economic progress in North Africa."

Morocco has established itself as the largest purchaser of US military equipment in Africa, with current government-to-government sales totaling $8.545 billion under the Foreign Military Sales system. Recent significant acquisitions include 18 HIMARS launchers, 25 F-16C/D Block 72 aircraft, and 36 AH-64E Apache attack helicopters.

The US-Morocco security partnership extends beyond equipment sales. Since 2012, Morocco has received $135 million in Foreign Military Financing and $32 million for International Military Education and Training since 2006. The country actively contributes to UN peacekeeping operations and hosts the African Lion exercise, the continent's largest joint military training initiative.

The Defense Security Cooperation Agency noted that Morocco is expected to integrate this new equipment effectively into its armed forces, enhancing combined operations and interoperability between US Air Force and Royal Moroccan Air Force (RMAF) capabilities.