The United States greenlit Friday a potential arms sale to Morocco valued at $86 million, a move aimed at enhancing the country’s security capabilities and strengthening military ties.
The Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) announced the approval, which includes the sale of 500 GBU-39B Small Diameter Bombs (SDB-I) and related equipment.
The package also encompasses practice bombs, training rounds, support equipment, spare parts, technical data, personnel training, and logistical support.
The State Department emphasized the strategic significance of the sale, stating, “This proposed 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.”
The sale is expected to enhance interoperability between the US Air Force and the Royal Moroccan Air Force (RMAF).
“This capability will also strengthen combined operations and increase interoperability between the U.S. Air Force and the Royal Moroccan Air Force (RMAF),” the DSCA noted in its announcement.
The agency also assured that the sale will not alter the military balance in the region and poses no risk to US defense readiness.
“The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not alter the basic military balance in the region,” the DSCA stated. “There will be no adverse impact on U.S. defense readiness as a result of this proposed sale.”
Boeing Corporation is the primary contractor for the sale, with no known offset agreements proposed. The final cost of the sale may be subject to adjustment based on actual requirements and budget allocations, the press release says.
2024 has seen a significant increase in arms deals between Morocco and the United States. One major deal involves the sale of Javelin missiles and related equipment for an estimated cost of $260 million.
This sale includes 612 Javelin FGM-148F missiles and 200 Javelin Lightweight Command Launch Units (LWCLUs). The Javelin missile is a portable anti-tank missile system that has proven effective in modern warfare.
Another notable deal involves the purchase of long-range Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS) by Morocco. These missiles have a range of up to 300 kilometers and can be launched from various platforms, including aircraft and ground vehicles.
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