Marrakech – Morocco is seeking to strengthen its maritime domain and enhance the capabilities of its Royal Air Force through the procurement of advanced missile systems.
According to a report by Spanish newspaper La Razón, the North African country has acquired Harpoon Block II (AGM-84L) anti-ship missiles and SLAM-ER (AGM-84H/K) cruise missiles from the American company Boeing.
The Harpoon missiles are designed to be integrated with the F-16 Viper fighter jets, of which the Royal Armed Forces are set to receive 24 units in 2026.
Equipped with a 525 kg explosive warhead and a range of up to 280 km, the Harpoon Block II missiles represent the latest generation of anti-ship weaponry.
Technical reports suggest that these missiles are capable of destroying floating targets and enemy naval assets, including aircraft carriers and landing ships, with devastating precision.
In addition to the anti-ship missiles, Morocco has also procured medium and long-range cruise missiles. These state-of-the-art weapons are designed to strike both land and sea-based targets with high accuracy.
The acquisition of these advanced missile systems is part of Morocco’s ongoing efforts to modernize its armed forces and assert its sovereignty over its maritime domain.
Last week, King Mohammed VI chaired a Ministerial Council meeting that marked a significant step in Morocco’s journey towards becoming a self-reliant defense manufacturer.
The Council approved draft organic laws and decrees specifically tailored to bolster the military sector, signaling the country’s unwavering commitment to strengthening its defense capabilities.
This high-level meeting, led by the King himself, underscores the strategic importance placed on the development of Morocco’s defense industry.
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