Morocco has recently secured a deal with the United States to acquire long-range Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS), a move that could reshape regional military dynamics.

While the exact number of missiles is undisclosed, the contract, valued at $227 million as posted on July 2nd, marks a significant shift for Morocco, which has historically relied heavily on Chinese-made weaponry.

This agreement comes after Morocco requested 40 ATACMS missiles and launchers in 2023, among many other American-made weapons, with an initial estimated cost of $524.2 million.

While final details remain under wraps, the inclusion of Morocco alongside Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, and Poland in this US foreign arms deal suggests a strategic play by Washington to bolster its partnerships in North Africa and Eastern Europe.

In a related move, the Royal Moroccan Air Force is working to integrate Boeing-made Harpoon missiles into its fleet of F-16 fighter jets.

Enhanced Firepower Strengthens Deterrence

The ATACMS missiles boast a 300-kilometer (186-mile) range, dramatically increasing Morocco’s long-range strike capabilities.

Defense expert Hisham Moataded sees this enhanced firepower as a way to strengthen the Royal Armed Forces’ deterrence capabilities.