Marruecos: la independencia del mantenimiento militar es ya un hecho
Relations between Rabat and Washington are at an all-time high. Proof of this is the resolution that has been announced: Morocco will be the first African country to be allowed to carry out maintenance operations and manufacture spare parts for Apache helicopters. The agreement signed between the military delegations of the two states reflects the modernisation and strengthening of the operational capabilities of the Moroccan Armed Forces (RFA), as well as the development of the military industry in Morocco. According to a statement from the Moroccan Ministry of Defence, this agreement reinforces the independence of the RFA. In order to improve the military industrial fabric, the North African country intends to continue its arms race with the help of the United States.
America's support for the Alawi nation goes beyond the institutional. Privately owned companies such as L3HARRIS are helping Morocco's dependence to approach the point of no return, i.e. self-sufficiency. First with the F-16s, now with the Apache helicopters. The ministry statement also stressed that the agreement reflects the desire of the two parties to consolidate the existing relationship between Morocco and the US company Boeing through the implementation of joint strategic projects, while encouraging the establishment of an industrial and technological base for defence in the Kingdom.
As a result of the good relations, the agreement enhances cooperation in the field of research, development and technology transfer through the rehabilitation of Moroccan engineering offices in accordance with international standards in the aviation sector, and the establishment of a research centre for advanced additive manufacturing, in collaboration with the Moroccan Administration, in particular with the Mohamed VI Technical University in Benguerir. From a social point of view, the agreements will provide an estimated contribution of 150 million dollars, which will allow the creation of jobs, thus helping the economic recovery of the national aviation sector.
Morocco is the 17th country to obtain the AH-64E Apache helicopter, the second African country after Egypt to use the Apache, and the fifth Arab country to purchase this type of helicopter. This type of helicopter is characterised by its high ability to navigate in different environments and contains a precise guidance system capable of providing information on targets, whether at night, during the day or at sea. These helicopters are also equipped with advanced technology capabilities, giving them tremendous coordination capabilities with unmanned aircraft, especially the "Mq-c1 grey", which allows the Apache pilot great control over landing operations through an internal navigation and sensor system.
The Moroccan version of the Apache will fire laser-guided Hellfire missiles, APKWS (Hydra) missiles and Stinger air-to-air missiles and is equipped with an M230E1 30mm hull-guided cannon to protect the helicopter. They will also have an AAR-57 warning system against hostile missile launches, as well as a laser anti-missile warning system, a radar receiver for alerts and a drone control system. Morocco is gradually becoming a regional and world military power, basing much of its effectiveness on a modern air force, such as its RFA, which, duly supported by anti-aircraft systems, achieves the necessary deterrent effect against potential enemies.
Coordinator for the Americas: José Antonio Sierra.
