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Developments in armament and military industry in the Kingdom of Morocco

The SC

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Feb 13, 2012
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Spanish report: Morocco is preparing to transform from a buyer to a producer of weapons

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A recent report by Escudo Digital, a Spanish security and technology news site, confirmed that Morocco is preparing to become an arms producer, moving from its traditional role as a buyer.

By joining the international arms race, Morocco seeks to gain economic and strategic benefits from producing its own weapons. Reliance on foreign procurement drains resources and hampers national security independence, as the same source explained in more detail.

The Escudo Digital report highlighted that Morocco has already begun taking steps to create a local arms industry.

However, the Kingdom's success in this field depends on passing several critical stages that will determine the speed and quality of the future defense sector.

The first phase includes major investments and infrastructure expansion, with Rabat actively building modern defense facilities.

The report explained that this critical stage requires securing financial resources, establishing high-tech manufacturing centers, and modernizing the current infrastructure to deal with the complexities of modern defense production.

The second phase includes Morocco obtaining the necessary technology through local development or strategic international alliances for technology transfer.

Escudo Digital also stressed the importance of developing a skilled workforce.

He stated that the defense industry, as in other countries, requires a medium to high level of qualification.

Therefore, Morocco will need to invest in specialized education and training programs to develop a workforce capable of supporting its ambitious plans to manufacture weapons domestically.

Next, the report said that Morocco must adhere to international standards for arms trade and manufacturing, invest heavily in research and development, and then promote its future defense products globally.

Escudo Digital explained that the Kingdom will benefit greatly from strong relations with the United States of America and Israel.

Despite the long and difficult path, the report emphasized that unforeseen events such as geopolitical shifts could accelerate Morocco's defense industry ambitions, as seen in Mexico's benefit from the trade war between the United States and China.
 

The SC

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A deal for high-quality ATACMS missiles to Morocco

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June 2024: The ATACMS missile deal to Morocco is one of the strongest military deals undertaken by the Kingdom in recent years.

As part of enhancing the deterrence capabilities of the Royal Armed Forces, Morocco will obtain 18 HIMARS missile launchers equipped with several types of missiles, including ATACMS missiles with a range of 300 km, as part of a deal announced by the Pentagon worth $524 million.

The State Department approved a potential Foreign Military Sale of High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS) to the Government of Morocco and related equipment at an estimated cost of $524.2 million. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency submitted the required certification notifying Congress of this potential sale today.

ATACMS” missiles are a long-range tactical surface-to-surface ballistic missile system, developed by the American company “Lockheed Martin” for military industries. These missiles are referred to as “Atakums,” short for “Army Tactical Missile System,” and have been with the US ground forces since 1990.

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ATACMS” missiles are distinguished by their high accuracy and their range of up to about 300 kilometers. The missile is 3.98 meters long, 61 centimeters in diameter, and the weight of its warhead ranges between 160 and 560 kilograms, and its cost is estimated at approximately 1.5 million US dollars. These missiles are designed to replace traditional “Lance missiles” and provide greater tactical support to ground forces.

As already clear, the missile has a range of 300 km, but to be more precise: during tests, it achieved an operational capability of 310-320 km. The missile has documented participation in many conflicts: the Persian Gulf War, the war in Afghanistan, the Iraq war, and now in Ukraine.

The ATACMS missile has the ability to destroy air defense systems thanks to its high accuracy and long range. The missile can hit precisely targeted targets, making it effective against hostile military infrastructure, including air defense systems.

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This type of missile is used to eliminate strategic targets and provide powerful fire support to ground forces, allowing to achieve tactical superiority on the battlefield.
 

The SC

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Morocco is equipping its F-16 aircraft with advanced anti-ship missiles

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Morocco recently acquired AGM-84L-1 Harpoon Block II anti-ship cruise missiles from Boeing for its F-16 fighter jets. This acquisition aims to strengthen the country's maritime defense capacity and falls within the framework of a comprehensive strategy to modernize the Moroccan armed forces.

The Harpoon missiles are known for their accuracy and effectiveness against surface ships, providing a significant improvement to Morocco's maritime defense and deterrence capabilities.

Morocco continues to invest in modernizing its armed forces to confront potential threats and protect its national interests. The acquisition is part of a broader effort to improve the country's air and sea defense capabilities. Moroccan F-16s, already known for their versatility and effectiveness, will now be equipped with these advanced missiles, thus increasing their operational range and ability to respond to maritime threats.

The AGM-84L-1 Harpoon Block II missiles are designed to be launched from aircraft, ships or submarines. It offers increased accuracy thanks to its GPS guidance system and maneuverability to avoid enemy countermeasures. Its range and offensive capability make it a valuable asset to Morocco's maritime defence.

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The AGM-84L Harpoon Block II missiles are the latest versions of this deadly missile available for export to the US military industry, with an explosive mass of 525 kg and a range of up to 280 km. They can destroy floating targets and cause significant damage to aircraft carriers and enemy landing ships.

This acquisition strengthens Morocco's position as a major player in regional security in North Africa. By improving its maritime defense capabilities, the country can better protect its territorial waters and marine resources. In addition, modernizing the Moroccan military arsenal contributes to deterrence and stability in a region often characterized by geopolitical tensions.
 

The SC

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Morocco obtains the smart and modern electronic defense system VIPER SHIELD EW to enhance the electronic warfare capabilities of its new fleet of F-16 Block 70/72 Advanced aircraft.

28 June 2024: Lockheed Martin Aviation, based in Fort Worth, Texas, was awarded a US$520 million contract to produce the Viper Shield electronic warfare suite for Morocco's F-16 Block 70/72 aircraft.

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The SC

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Feb 13, 2012
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Morocco obtains HIMARS high-mobility artillery missile systems from the United States

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Morocco has acquired HIMARS missile systems from the United States following the announcement of State Department approval, which includes details of a deal to supply Morocco with High Mobility Artillery Missile Systems (HIMARS).

The value of this deal is estimated at approximately $524 million, and it is considered one of the most important military deals concluded by the Moroccan army, especially since it includes ATACMS ballistic missiles. The Pentagon announced that the necessary certificates have been received from the Defense Security Cooperation Agency to notify Congress, and these missiles are classified as surface-to-surface missiles. Long-range tactical ballistic missile, known for its high accuracy and wide range.

According to the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency, the deal will help Morocco confront and detect threats and comprehensively control its borders, which will lead to maintaining regional stability and security. The deal is said to enhance interoperability of the Royal Armed Forces (FAR).

HIMARS, which was developed by the American company Lockheed Martin for the US Army, is characterized by high mobility and high accuracy, and contains GPS-guided missiles and ATACMS tactical missiles.

Informed sources indicated that the Royal Moroccan Armed Forces will soon receive 18 HIMARS launchers, equipped with various types of missiles, including ATACMS missiles, with a range of about 300 km.

HIMARS missiles are distinguished by their high accuracy thanks to the advanced guidance system, as the missiles can reach targets with a range of up to 300 kilometers, with a launcher that is installed on a regular military truck, which facilitates movement and deployment on the battlefield, and it can be quickly reloaded in just one minute.

The HIMARS missile launcher is considered an important addition to the collection of the Royal Moroccan Armed Forces with its ability to give a great advantage to the forces that possess it, and this was evident in helping the Ukrainian forces to repel the Russian attack, as it was able to target the Russian leadership and control the sites, which helped the Ukrainian forces to bridge the military gap. .
 

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