US arms programs for Morocco reach billions of dollars over the past decade

Saturday 26 September 2026 - 12:31

By: Azzat Manal

US arms programs for Morocco reach billions of dollars over the past decade

US defense programs involving Morocco have expanded significantly over the past decade, covering combat aircraft, helicopters, armored vehicles, artillery systems, air-defense weapons and precision-guided munitions. A review cited by Moroccan media puts the value of US arms programs directed toward Morocco since 2016 at around $12.7 billion, although individual US notifications generally refer to the maximum estimated value of potential Foreign Military Sales rather than the final value of completed contracts.

The figures reflect the broadening scope of military cooperation between Rabat and Washington. Morocco is a major non-NATO ally of the United States, and American defense authorities have repeatedly described arms cooperation as part of efforts to modernize the Moroccan armed forces and improve interoperability with US forces and other partners.

Among the largest programs is Morocco’s F-16 fleet. Washington approved a possible sale of 25 F-16C/D Block 72 aircraft in 2019, together with engines, radar systems, electronic equipment, weapons, spare parts and logistical support. The United States also approved a separate modernization program for Morocco’s existing F-16 aircraft, strengthening the capabilities of a fleet that forms a central part of the Royal Moroccan Air Force.

Apache attack helicopters represent another major element of the relationship. The United States previously approved a possible sale covering 24 AH-64E Apache helicopters, with associated weapons, sensors, training and support. The program has subsequently moved into the delivery phase, with Moroccan armed forces receiving batches of the helicopters.

The cooperation also extends to Morocco’s land forces. US programs have included modernization of M1A1 Abrams tanks, as well as anti-tank weapons and other equipment. The combination of armored vehicles, precision weapons and support systems reflects Morocco’s broader effort to modernize capabilities across several branches of its armed forces.

Long-range artillery has also become part of the cooperation. In 2023, the US State Department approved a possible sale of HIMARS launchers and associated equipment to Morocco. The notification included ATACMS tactical missiles as well as guided rocket systems. As with other Foreign Military Sales notifications, the announced figure represented the maximum estimated value based on the quantities and support initially requested, meaning the eventual value can be lower.

Washington has continued to approve additional weapons programs in recent years. In December 2024, the United States notified Congress of possible sales to Morocco of AIM-120C-8 AMRAAM air-to-air missiles valued at an estimated $88.37 million and 500 GBU-39B Small Diameter Bombs valued at approximately $86 million. The latter notification also included training, spare parts, technical assistance and logistical support.

In April 2025, the United States approved a possible $825 million sale of up to 600 FIM-92K Stinger Block I missiles and associated support equipment to Morocco. The US Defense Security Cooperation Agency said the proposed package was intended to modernize Morocco’s armed forces and expand its existing short-range air-defense capabilities.

The scale of the programs is also visible in US government historical data. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency’s fiscal year 2023 historical sales book recorded more than $9.99 billion in cumulative US Foreign Military Sales and financing activity for Morocco through that reporting period, illustrating the significant volume of defense cooperation accumulated over several years.

The relationship has continued to develop beyond individual weapons purchases. US and Moroccan forces regularly participate in joint military activities, while defense programs involve training, maintenance, logistics and technical support alongside the acquisition of equipment. These elements are intended to strengthen operational compatibility and sustain the systems once delivered.

Recent approvals also show that the cooperation remains active across multiple categories, from air-to-air missiles and precision bombs to short-range air-defense systems. At the same time, each proposed Foreign Military Sale must be distinguished from a finalized contract, since congressional notification and government approval do not necessarily mean that the full amount announced will ultimately be spent.

Taken together, the programs highlight the breadth of the US-Morocco defense relationship, which now covers air power, land forces, air defense, precision munitions, training and long-term logistical support. For Morocco, the acquisitions form part of a wider military modernization effort, while for Washington they remain an important component of security cooperation with a major partner in North Africa.