US Approves Morocco’s Purchase of $88M Advanced Air to Air Missiles

In a significant development underscoring America’s strategic partnerships in North Africa, the US State Department has approved a Foreign Military Sale to Morocco worth $88.37 million.

This deal includes 30 AIM-120C-8 Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missiles (AMRAAM), guidance systems, and a comprehensive package of support equipment, spare parts, and training.

This sale not only solidifies Morocco’s defense capabilities but also strengthens the defense ties between the two nations, reaffirming Morocco’s role as a key non-NATO ally.

Enhancing Morocco’s Defense Capabilities

The AIM-120C-8 AMRAAM missiles are designed to enhance the capabilities of Morocco’s recently acquired F-16 Block 72 fighter jets.

These missiles provide Morocco with cutting-edge air-to-air combat capabilities, enabling its Royal Army Forces to effectively secure borders, counter-terrorism, and combat illicit trafficking.

The sale includes telemetry kits, control section spares, classified software, and technical documentation to ensure the integration of these advanced munitions into Morocco’s defense systems.

The equipment also comes with Common Munitions Built-in-Test Reprogramming Equipment (CMBRE), which facilitates efficient system maintenance and upgrades. This ensures that Morocco’s forces can maintain operational readiness, leveraging state-of-the-art technology to address both current and future threats.

Strengthening US-Morocco Defense Ties

This missile sale represents another milestone in the robust defense relationship between the United States and Morocco. According to US data, Morocco is Africa’s largest purchaser of American military equipment, with acquisitions surpassing $8.5 billion.

This year alone, Morocco secured a contract for US-made Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS), further diversifying its defense arsenal.

The State Department emphasized the strategic importance of this partnership, stating that the sale “will support the foreign policy and national security of the US 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.”

A Regional Power on the Rise

Morocco’s commitment to military modernization has been evident in its growing investments in advanced defense systems.

In October, the Moroccan government announced plans to increase its 2025 defense budget to 133 billion dirhams ($13 billion), a significant jump from 124 billion dirhams ($12 billion) in 2024 and 119 billion dirhams ($11.4 billion) in 2023.

These investments reflect Morocco’s strategic intent to not only strengthen its armed forces but also expand partnerships and support domestic defense production.

This focus on modernization aligns with Morocco’s goal of becoming a regional leader in defense.

The acquisition of drones, advanced fighter jets, and sophisticated missile systems like the AMRAAM enhances its ability to project power and maintain security in a volatile region.

The approval of the AMRAAM sale is unlikely to significantly alter the military balance in North Africa, as emphasized by US officials. However, it does reinforce Morocco’s position as a formidable force for stability and deterrence.

The integration of advanced US military technology enables Morocco to better address regional security challenges, including countering the growing threats of terrorism and transnational trafficking.

Moreover, the sale sends a clear message of US commitment to its allies in a region increasingly influenced by external powers such as China and Russia. By equipping Morocco with advanced weaponry, the US ensures that its allies remain capable of addressing their own security needs while upholding shared interests in stability and peace.

RTX Corporation, based in Tucson, Arizona, will serve as the prime contractor for the AMRAAM sale. The implementation of this sale will not require additional US personnel in Morocco, underscoring the advanced training and operational independence of Morocco’s armed forces.

Furthermore, there are no offset agreements involved in this deal, simplifying the transaction and ensuring a streamlined process.

Final Thoughts on the Matter

The approval of the $88.37 million AMRAAM missile sale to Morocco represents a significant step in the ongoing partnership between Rabat and Washington. By equipping Morocco with modern, high-performance defense systems, the US not only strengthens an important ally but also reinforces its strategic interests in North Africa.

As Morocco continues to modernize its military and expand its defense capabilities, this sale highlights the enduring importance of US-Morocco defense ties in fostering regional stability and security.