The US State Department has approved the sale of Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missiles (AMRAAM) and related equipment to Morocco.
The package is valued at up to $88.37 million.
The deal includes 30 AIM-120C-8 AMRAAM missiles, support equipment, and training for the Royal Army Forces.
It also provides telemetry kits, spare parts, classified software, and technical and logistics support.
The AIM-120C-8 AMRAAM missiles are designed for the new F-16 72 fighter jet fleet, enhancing Morocco’s border security, counter-terrorism efforts, and anti-trafficking operations.
RTX Corporation, based in Tucson, Arizona, will be the prime contractor.
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,” the US State Department stated.
US-Morocco Defense Ties
The approval of the AMRAAM sale is set to deepen defense cooperation between Rabat and Washington.
Morocco is Africa’s top buyer of American military equipment, with acquisitions surpassing $8.5 billion, according to the US.
Earlier this year, Rabat secured a contract to acquire US-made Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS) to enhance its air defense.
Rising Military Investment
The North African country is focused on modernizing its military through investments in drones, fighter jets, and advanced defense systems.
In October, the Moroccan government announced plans to raise its 2025 defense budget to 133 billion dirhams ($13 billion) to strengthen its forces, expand partnerships, and support domestic equipment production.
Next year’s plan follows consistent increases from 124 billion dirhams ($12 billion) this year and 119 billion dirhams ($11.4 billion) in 2023.
