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Rabat – Morocco’s Royal Armed Forces (FAR) are receiving a delivery of the Sherpa military-grade armored vehicles and VL MICA defense systems, short and medium-range air missiles.
The shipment occurs two years after Morocco signed an agreement with France, according to military-focused African news outlet, DefenceWeb.
Morocco received the first batch of Sherpa vehicles last month, as the vehicles were seen being transported to military facilities in the country, several reports indicated.
The North African country had first ordered the 36 Sherpa armored vehicles from French weapon manufacturer Arquus, the DefenceWeb report indicates.
The Sherpa vehicles are commonly manufactured for organizations such as the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). The vehicles have also been deployed by the International Security Assistance Forces in Afghanistan, the report points out.
As for the missile system, Morocco had already received two VL MICA batteries in recent weeks in line with the 2020 agreement with France which cost a total of €192 million.
The report further notes that Morocco could possibly seek to acquire four more VL MICA batteries from French weapon manufacturer MBDA.
The short to medium-range missile system is an anti-air multi-target battery that can operate under all weather conditions. The battery’s missiles can be used on both aircrafts, ships, and ground-level operations.
The report mentions that Morocco has also ordered 40 units of the Caesar artillery system for €170 million in addition to €30 million of ammunition from French state-owned arms manufacturer Nexter.
In recent months, Morocco has completed multiple weapons purchasing deals with various countries. Last month, reports indicated that the North African kingdom is engaged in talks with the Israeli government to acquire the Delilah missile system, a state-of-the-art short-range cruise missile.
Weapon purchasing is part of Morocco’s plan to renovate the arsenal of its armed forces.
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