U.S. approves $260 Mln Javelin Anti-Tank Missile sale to Morocco
The State Department has approved the sale to Morocco of Javelin missiles, an advanced portable anti-tank weapon system expected to strengthen further the Kingdom’s military capabilities.
The North African Kingdom has requested to buy 612 Javelin FGM-148F missiles, (including twelve (12) fly-to-buy missiles) and two hundred (200) Javelin Lightweight Command Launch Units (LWCLUs).
The $260 million deal includes missile simulation rounds; Javelin support equipment; hand and measuring tools; power plus distribution equipment; component parts and support equipment; life cycle support and other technical assistance.
U.S. Defense Security Cooperation Agency said the sale will help 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 deal will also “improve Morocco’s long-term defense capacity to defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity and to meet its national defense requirements,” underlined the U.S agency in a press release issued Tuesday.
Morocco and the United States share common concerns and consult closely on security, political, and economic issues, and on sustainable development.
In 2004, the United States designated Morocco a Major Non-NATO Ally and the U.S. and Moroccan militaries hold joint exercises and training. Morocco is U.S. strong partner in counterterrorism efforts and works closely with U.S. law enforcement to safeguard both countries’ national security interests.
The U.S. and Morocco coordinate their efforts to promote regional stability and security, including through the Global Counterterrorism Forum and the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS.
