US expands electronic warfare capabilities for Morocco’s Apache helicopters

Monday 20 July 2026 - 13:46

By: Azzat Manal

US expands electronic warfare capabilities for Morocco’s Apache helicopters

The United States has strengthened its defense cooperation with Morocco through a new agreement aimed at enhancing the electronic warfare capabilities of the Royal Moroccan Armed Forces (FAR). The deal involves additional work by Northrop Grumman Systems Corp. to manufacture, test, and deliver the AN/APR-39D(V)2 system designed for Morocco’s AH-64D/E Apache attack helicopters.

The project is part of a broader US defense program managed by the US Navy, with the overall contract value reaching around $114 million. Morocco is participating through the US Foreign Military Sales (FMS) framework, which facilitates military equipment transfers and cooperation with partner countries.

The latest agreement represents a transition from the engineering phase to the production and delivery stage of the first systems intended for Moroccan Apache helicopters. Morocco has allocated additional funding to support the manufacturing and delivery process, including key components such as processors, antenna sensors, radar receivers, low-band networks, and replacement batteries.

The contract timeline has also been extended until December 2029 to ensure proper technical support, integration, and monitoring of the new equipment.

Morocco joined the program in 2023 during the initial engineering phase, which focused on adapting the AN/APR-39D(V)2 system, originally developed for US military aircraft, to meet the operational requirements of the Apache helicopters acquired by the Royal Moroccan Armed Forces.

The AN/APR-39D(V)2 is an advanced digital electronic warfare system designed to detect, analyze, and identify radar signals from potential threats. The technology provides crews with real-time warnings when aircraft are targeted or detected by hostile radar systems, including air defense networks or other military platforms.

Integrated into the Apache helicopter’s onboard systems, the equipment helps pilots respond quickly by providing visual and audio alerts, improving aircraft protection and operational effectiveness in complex environments.

The new development highlights the continued strategic partnership between Morocco and the United States in the defense sector. Through this cooperation, both countries are expanding technological capabilities, strengthening military readiness, and supporting long-term security collaboration.