Military agreement with US’ Boeing enhances Morocco’s regional defense power in the region

On Feb 14, 2023

As evidenced by the recent acceleration of state military and defense agreements signed, Morocco is adamant about establishing itself as a significant military force in the region.

The House of Representatives approved a draft law on weapons, ammunition, and defense and security supplies, which pave the way for investment in the Kingdom’s booming military industry.

By signing an agreement on industrial compensation, the Royal Armed Forces (FAR) and the American aerospace company Boeing recently paved the way for advanced industrial cooperation.

In accordance with the most recent aeronautical standards, this agreement “includes strengthening the autonomy of the Royal Air Forces in meteorology, manufacturing and repair of various composite spare parts and superstructures,” according to a statement from the National Defense Administration.

In other words, Morocco will gain from a technology transfer necessary to become a subcontractor and a major player in the military industry in the medium term.

A squadron of F-16 fighters and Apache aircraft, which are anticipated to enter service next year, will be made available to the Kingdom thanks to its most recent agreement with the American Boeing Company, ensuring its role in the region.

The Moroccan F-16 Block is currently undergoing modernization at the American Lockheed Company, and it will soon be outfitted with air-to-surface missiles, cutting-edge radars, and the newest technologies.

In order to be compatible with their offensive missions, the Apaches are also subject to modifications.

With plans to establish a defense industrial and technological base in the Kingdom, the InfoDefensa outlet claimed that the signing of a partnership agreement with Boeing transforms Morocco into a “compelling” regional power that surpasses all of its neighbors.

Technical alterations are being made to the American Apache helicopters that the Royal Air Force requested.

Inter-Coastal Electronics was granted a $11.3 million contract by the US Department of Defense to provide a tactical simulation system for Apache helicopters.

As part of a contract between Boeing Aircraft Industry and the Royal Armed Forces, which stipulates that the latter will purchase 24 Apache helicopters, the Kingdom was preparing to receive the first batch of American “AH-64E” Apache helicopters this year.

The AH-64E Apache warplanes, known for their excellent ability to navigate in a variety of different environments, are being acquired for the first time by Morocco. They are equipped with an accurate targeting system that can provide information about targets, whether they are in the day, night, or underwater.

Since it was first introduced in 1989 and is still in use today by Egypt, Greece, Israel, the Netherlands, Japan, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and the United Kingdom, the Apache has maintained its position as the best attack helicopter.

According to the aforementioned platform’s report on the agreement’s specifics, it is anticipated to include military purchases totaling up to $4 billion, which the United States estimates will cover 12 additional devices with options, weapons, replacement parts, materials, and other related services.

The agreement also demonstrates the parties’ desire to advance the development of a defense industrial and technological base while fostering the expansion of their already successful partnership.

The signed agreement aims to help the nation create job opportunities while also reviving its aviation sector. It includes, among other things, the supply of spare parts to local manufacturers worth $150 million.

The agreement calls for the Royal Moroccan Air Force to be strengthened in the areas of measurement, manufacture, and repair of various superstructures and spare parts to meet the most modern aviation standards. It also calls for cooperation in research, development, and technology transfer through the certification of Moroccan engineering firms.