Weaponry : Morocco cleared to buy nearly 8,500 missiles

The US State Department has approved a sale for Morocco to purchase nearly 8,500 ammunition of various types, valued at $ 985 million.

Thus, according to The Defense Post and Defense News, quoting a statement from the Defense Security Cooperation Agency, the Moroccan authorities ordered 2,401 TOW 2A missiles (BGM-71-4B-RF) and 28 «Fly-to- Buy» missiles.

The sale includes «M220A2 TOW Launchers and/or four hundred (400) M41 Improved Target Acquisition System (ITAS) Launchers», as well as «missile support equipment; Government furnished equipment; technical manuals/publications; spare parts; tool and test equipment; training; U.S. Government technical and logistical support, contractor technical support, and other associated equipment and services».

«The sale of the TOW 2A Missiles and TOW Launchers will advance Morocco’s efforts to develop an integrated ground defense capability», DSCA said. «A strong national defense and dedicated military force will assist Morocco to sustain itself in its efforts to maintain stability».

The deal also includes support equipment, technical assistance and training. Primary work will be done at Raytheon in Tucson, Arizona, and McKinney, Texas. The main contractor for this transaction is Raytheon Missile Systems while the costs are estimated at $ 776 million.

A second DSCA statement said Thursday that Morocco has also requested to buy «5,810 MK82-1 bombs and 300 MK84-4 bombs» each equipped with a «tritonal explosive», for its F-16.

The proposed sale also includes other equipment, as well as technical support. The main contractors will be Raytheon, Orbital ATK, General Dynamics, Cheming Group and Kaman Precision Products, for a total estimated cost of $ 209 million, the same source declares.

«The proposed sale will improve Morocco’s capability to meet current and future threats of terror from violent extremist organizations prevalent throughout the region», DSCA said, adding that «the additional munitions provided by this sale will improve interoperability with the United States and other regional allies and enhance Morocco’s ability to undertake coalition operations».