Morocco: US approves new military aid package
Russia's pressure on Algeria is one reason why NATO alliances with non-NATO members are becoming so important. While the US's relationship with Morocco goes back a long way, it has never been as close as it is today. Washington and Rabat's relations are facilitating the execution of agreements of mutual benefit to both powers, not only in the defence and security space, but also in the economic and commercial spheres.
On this occasion, according to Asharq, the US State Department certified last Tuesday, by issuing a communiqué, the sale of military equipment to Morocco for a total of $774 million, divided into two packages worth $524 million and $250 million respectively.
On the same date, the Defence Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) informed Congress of the progress of the sale, the price of which will be affected by the equipment that the North African country finally acquires. According to Washington, the goal of the deal is to strengthen Morocco's ability to defend itself against all external threats, including Algeria's disrespectful display of military might near Western Sahara and the rise of terrorism in the Sahel. This will allow Morocco to control its borders and thus promote security in the region.
The support requested by the Administration of the Kingdom of Morocco will consist of 18 M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket Launcher Systems (HIMARS). These HIMARS systems have elevated their reputation as a result of recent battlefield success in the war in Ukraine.
Also included in the contract are 40 M57 tactical ballistic missiles (ATACMS) with a range of 300 kilometres, 36 GMLRS guided multiple launch rocket systems with 98% effectiveness and a margin of error of just one metre, 36 M31A2 missiles and 36 M30A2 alternate warheads, 9 high mobility multi-purpose vehicles, 18 International Field Artillery Tactical Data Systems (IFATDS) and 40 AMG-154 Joint Standoff Weapon (JSOW) defensive assets, which is the Moroccan version of the AGM-154C, with a BROACH warhead designed to destroy fortifications and shelters. In addition to 35 GPS long-range battle tank radio systems, 18 M1084A2 cargo trucks, resupply vehicles, cargo trailers and three M1089A2 relief trailers, camouflage displays, support systems, 24 private radios (Sincgars) and a GPS long-range vehicle system.
In addition, North America will provide technical, logistical and engineering support for this transaction, through support from the US Government and major arms producers such as Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control, L3 Harris Communications and Raytheon, among others.
All this equipment will help strengthen the Royal Armed Forces (RAF), which conducts joint exercises with US security forces. "This proposed sale will support US foreign policy and national security by helping to enhance the security of an important non-NATO ally that remains an important factor in the political stability and economic development of North Africa," the Defence Security Cooperation Agency said in a statement.
The agency added that the proposed sale would not have a negative impact on US defence preparedness and would not lead to a military imbalance in the region. The Royal Armed Forces (FAR), which regularly conducts joint exercises with US forces and focuses on fighting terrorism and violent extremist groups in the Maghreb and Sahel regions, will be more interoperable under the deal.
As a sign of appreciation, this year's "African Lion" military training exercises, which will be jointly organised by the Moroccan and US armed forces, will take place from 22 May to 16 June. The manoeuvres have been held annually in Morocco since the beginning of the 21st century.
America Coordinator: José Antonio Sierra