Morocco has signed a major defense agreement with U.S. aerospace company L3Harris to modernize its fleet of C-130 Hercules transport aircraft.
The deal, signed on July 3, marks a significant step in the Royal Moroccan Air Force’s (FRA) strategy to extend the operational life of its C-130H aircraft while preparing for the eventual acquisition of newer C-130J “Super Hercules” models.
The agreement was described as a “historic moment” by Aimee Cutrona, Chargée d’Affaires at the US Embassy in Morocco.
She emphasized that the partnership aims to both enhance Morocco’s tactical airlift capabilities and deepen industrial collaboration between the two nations.
Rather than immediately replacing its decades-old aircraft, some of which have been in service for up to 50 years, the Royal Armed Forces opted for a cost-effective modernization approach.
This decision comes amid Morocco’s ongoing investments in other major defense programs, including the F-16 Viper fighter jets and Apache helicopters.
As Morocco continues to reshape its military doctrine around technological superiority, the C-130 upgrade underscores a key principle of its strategy: maintaining operational readiness today while building the air force of tomorrow.
