First batch of 6 Apache helicopters arrives in Morocco

Six AH-64E Apache helicopters have been received by Morocco, in a drive to modernize the air force’s capabilities in an uncertain environment.

The delivery is part of an order made in 2019 for 36 Apache helicopters and related equipment for a total cost estimated at $4.2 billion.

A Moroccan Royal Armed Forces account on X showed videos of the helicopters as they were unloaded at the Tanger Med Port before flying to their base.

The Apache helicopters are equipped with state-of-the-art technology, including advanced General Electric turbine engines, Longbow fire-control radars, and multi-domain warheads.

The new acquisition will bolster Morocco’s deterrence capabilities of the Royal Air Force, which operates 24 Aerospatiale SA342L Gazelle helicopters procured from 1978 that need replacing.

Aware of the importance of air superiority to counter any national security threat that may result from the growing instability in the Sahel and Algeria, Morocco has also ordered an additional batch of 25 units of F-16C/D Block 72 fighter jet that will bring the total number of the Moroccan F 16 fleet to 48 units.

In recent months, several reports mentioned that Morocco is about to foster its air defense capabilities with the reception of 30 Mirage 2000 from the UAE.

Morocco’s evolving military strategy is also attaching particular importance to drone warfare which has proved very efficient in thwarting attacks by the Algeria-backed separatists in recent months.

As part of its defense industrialization strategy, Morocco has reportedly signed deals to host military drone production plants.