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.
Moataded, speaking to Atalayar, further emphasized the importance of the deal in “strengthening military tactics in order to defend Moroccan sovereignty.”
He added, “the technical modernization and professional development of the Moroccan defense sector are in line with Rabat’s (Morocco’s capital) strategic vision in managing its geopolitical balances, and are reinforced by military cooperation between Rabat and Washington.”
Morocco has ordered an unknown number of long-range Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS) from the US to bolster its defence capabilities.https://t.co/ICdQ5eJADV
— Military Africa (@militaryafrica) July 15, 2024
Shifting Alliances
The shift towards US weaponry could signal a cooling of relations between Morocco and China.
In recent years, Morocco has been a major importer of Chinese drones and anti-tank missiles, even hosting a military base equipped with a Chinese long-range air defense system.
This latest development suggests Morocco may be diversifying its military partnerships, potentially seeking closer security ties with the US.
The implications of this deal also extend beyond Morocco’s borders.
The inclusion of Baltic states in the contract underscores a broader US strategy to counter potential Russian aggression in Eastern Europe.
This move, coupled with Morocco’s acquisition, suggests that the US is actively bolstering its alliances in strategically important regions.
A New Era for Moroccan Defense
While the full details of the deal remain to be seen, one thing is clear: Morocco’s acquisition of US missiles signifies a significant shift in the North African nation’s defense landscape.
Adding another layer to Morocco’s evolving defense strategy is their inclusion in a recent US deal with Lockheed Martin. This $520.4 million contract modification secures the production of F-16 Block 70/72 Viper Shield electronic warfare (EW) suites for several countries, including Morocco.
Briefly, the Viper Shield system, introduced in 2021, equips the F-16 with advanced defensive and offensive electronic warfare capabilities, further enhancing Morocco’s airpower alongside the long-range strike capabilities provided by the ATACMS missiles.
Both moves have the potential to reshape regional military dynamics and solidify the US’s role as a key security partner for Morocco and its Eastern European allies.
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