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Morocco Bolsters Military Capacity with Arrival of Brazilian Military Transport Aircraft
Morocco is advancing its military capabilities with the acquisition and testing of a state-of-the-art military transport aircraft from Brazilian aerospace leader Embraer.
As reported by Spanish news outlet La Razon, the Royal Moroccan Armed Forces received a KC-390 Millennium twin-engine jet transport plane earlier this week. This aircraft, Embraer's largest to date, comes with a price tag of approximately $150 million, slightly surpassing that of its counterparts in the market.
The arrival of the KC-390 marks a significant step in Morocco's efforts to enhance its airlift capabilities. With a maximum take-off weight exceeding 75 tons, the aircraft can carry up to 26 tons of cargo or accommodate up to 95 troops across a range of 2,000 nautical miles. These capabilities are crucial for supporting transport and logistical missions.
Morocco has been actively investing in the modernization of its defense infrastructure, often sourcing advanced equipment from major suppliers like the United States. Recent acquisitions include the HIMARS missile system in a significant half-billion dollar deal last year, along with four Metal Shark-built "Fearless" patrol boats acquired from the US in November.
In the approved budget for the fiscal year 2024, the Moroccan government has allocated $12.88 billion to defense, reflecting a notable increase from the previous year's $11.6 billion. These investments are geared towards fostering the growth of the domestic defense industry and acquiring cutting-edge foreign systems.
Ranked 61st in the 2024 Global Firepower Index, Morocco's decision to test the Brazilian-made KC-390 underscores its commitment to bolstering its strategic airlift capabilities with a modern multi-role transport aircraft. The outcomes of these trials will influence decisions regarding the potential integration of this aircraft type into the Royal Air Force's fleet.