Developments in armament and military industry in the Kingdom of Morocco

Spanish report: Morocco is preparing to transform from a buyer to a producer of weapons

1718347883420.jpeg

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.
 
A deal for high-quality ATACMS missiles to Morocco

1719045248540.jpeg

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.

1719045598416.jpeg

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.

1719045981169.jpeg

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

1719046917636.jpeg

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.

1719046987454.jpeg

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.
 
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.

1719802560616.png

1719802587214.jpeg

1719802538259.jpeg
 
Morocco obtains HIMARS high-mobility artillery missile systems from the United States

1719893205501.jpeg

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. .
 
Morocco obtains two spy satellites from Israel in a billion-dollar deal

 
 
Officially, Morocco signs a contract to manufacture 8x8 armored vehicles locally in partnership with India

The news is exclusive, published a short while ago, talking about the signing of an agreement between Morocco and the Indian company TATA to manufacture Indian WhAP 8x8 Kestrel armored vehicles in Morocco.
The news indicates that all signings have been completed in full
The armored vehicles will be intended for the local market as well as for export abroad
We will start with an integration rate of up to 35% and will gradually move to 50%.

The armored vehicle is armed with an Israeli Elbit turret

1727477173642.jpeg


Defense industry: With the Tata Group, Morocco embarks on the production of combat vehicles

The Department of National Defense and Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL), a subsidiary of the Tata International Group, have entered into a strategic partnership aimed at local production of the WhAP 8x8 ground combat vehicle, at the plant called TATA Advanced Systems Morocco (TASL).

In implementation of the high directives of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, Supreme Commander and Chief of General Staff of the Royal Armed Forces, aimed at modernizing and strengthening the operational capabilities of the Royal Armed Forces and thus enhancing the independence and sovereignty of national defense equipment, especially in defense mobility equipment, the National Defense Administration and Tata Advanced Systems have entered into Limited (TASL), a subsidiary of the international Tata Group, has entered into a strategic partnership aimed at local production of the WhAP 8x8 ground combat vehicle at the plant, Tata Advanced Systems Morocco (TASM).

According to a press release from the Department of National Defense, this project also strengthens historical relations between Morocco and India, two emerging economies whose strategic cooperation in the defense sector is increasing.

The investment agreement, which stipulates a system of financial, tax and customs incentives, was signed by ministers representing the Ministries of National Defence, Interior, Finance, Industry and Investment, in the presence of representatives of the General Staff of the Royal Armed Forces and AMDIE. , identifies the same source.

https://fr.le360.ma/politique/indus...n-de-vehicules-de_HODZ2UIZ6NAEPHK5HR5CJPK53I/


The signing of this investment agreement comes to meet local demand and export to foreign markets, underlines the press release, adding that this echoes the ambition of Morocco and TASL to jointly develop cooperation links South-South and a regional hub for the production of defense mobility equipment. This project places Morocco at the center of attention as a center of defense development and opens promising prospects for investors interested in the defense and high technology sectors, it is added.

https://www.ledesk.ma/2024/09/27/av...ira-le-vehicule-de-combat-terrestre-whap-8x8/


Amphibious vehicle

1727477643221.jpeg

As a local industry, it is very excellent, with the option to integrate various types of Turrets:

It is very possible that there will be a transfer of UT30MK2 combat turret technology. The relations between Morocco and Elbit in particular did not stop at the transfer of ammunition, missiles and drones technology, and they will not refuse any partnership with Morocco.

1727478191311.jpeg

Industrial supply sources will be local, starting from 35% to 50% as an initial target

The deal with India's TATA even includes the manufacture of 6X6 military trucks

1727477846776.jpeg

Thousands of recently acquired TATA trucks with American engines of all types, transport, water and gasoline tankers, support and towing trucks, and others.
Therefore, it will also be manufactured locally..

Thus, Morocco will take an excellent 8x8 platform on which a German or American engine will be installed..They will integrate electronics from another source with a turret from Elbit or Rafael with 30 mm cannon and Spike missiles that are already in Morocco..

1727479119519.jpeg


As confirmed and official information, Morocco will take from India only the hull, but the engine is American and the electronics, communications systems and turret are Israeli..Hence, the most important aspects of it are Western..


There is a version with a 105 mm turret

1727478398456.gif
 
Next, a huge industrial partnership with Brazil, and the Brazilian Senate, in its last statement two months ago, said that there are large military industry projects being prepared for with Morocco.

Plus, there is a military industry in partnership with the sister Emirates that is also coming

All of this will be in two huge industrial zones that Morocco is currently equipping
 

Users who are viewing this thread

Country Watch Latest

Back
Top