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Marrakech – The Royal Moroccan Air Force (RMAF) has finalized a contract with American defense contractor L3Harris Technologies for the comprehensive modernization of multiple C-130 aircraft, enhancing Morocco’s military transport capabilities.
L3Harris announced the agreement on July 14, following an earlier confirmation when the Administration of National Defense formalized the strategic partnership on July 3.
The US Embassy’s Chargée d’Affaires, Aimee Cutrona, described the deal as “a milestone moment in the ongoing U.S.-Morocco partnership in defense and aerospace” on her X platform account.
According to the official press release, L3Harris will perform extensive modifications, including “avionics modification, program depot maintenance, engine overhaul and other support efforts” on the Moroccan C-130 fleet.
Jason Lambert, President of Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance at L3Harris, spoke of the importance of the agreement, stating it “marks the beginning of a strategic, long-term partnership with the Royal Moroccan Air Force to ensure their fleet is ready for any mission.”
L3Harris’ aircraft maintenance and modification facility in Waco, Texas, will begin the renovation this year and continue the work through 2029.
The upgraded fleet aims to improve aircraft availability for various missions, including tactical airlift, humanitarian assistance, and special operations.
Rather than replacing its aging C-130 fleet with new aircraft, Morocco has opted for this intermediate approach.
According to military sources, this decision aligns with broader strategic planning priorities, considering capabilities already under development and available resources while maintaining reliable air transport capacity.
The C-130 Hercules is a four-engine turboprop military transport aircraft that was designed by American manufacturer Lockheed Martin in the 1950s.
Known for its robustness and versatility, it performs a wide range of missions, including troop and equipment transport, aerial delivery, refueling, humanitarian missions, medical evacuations, and firefighting operations.
The modernization program also addresses security imperatives, particularly following the Guelmim accident in 2011.
According to sources, it will enhance avionics and onboard systems, potentially extending the operational lifespan of the aircraft by 15 to 20 years while strengthening Moroccan teams’ expertise in managing new-generation equipment.
This contract forms part of Morocco’s ongoing military modernization strategy. In recent months, the Royal Armed Forces have acquired various new equipment, including up to 600 Stinger anti-aircraft missiles approved by the US in April in a potential $825-million deal.
The country is also set to purchase 612 Javelin missiles and 200 launch units from the US in a deal worth approximately $260 million, according to an official notice published in the US Federal Register on May 30.
In March, the RMAF also received its first batch of AH-64E Apache attack helicopters from Boeing, part of a $440 million contract signed in 2020 for 24 helicopters with an option for 12 more.
In February, Morocco secured Chinese-made TB-001K “Scorpion” drones for reconnaissance and strike missions. During the same month, the country received its first delivery of Bayraktar Akinci drones from Turkey following a 2023 agreement.
L3Harris Technologies already supplies smart weapons systems for Morocco’s F-16 fighter jets, enabling pilots to double their aircraft’s munitions capacity.
The new C-130 modernization contract further solidifies the defense relationship between Rabat and Washington, bound by nearly 250 years of history, while enhancing the North African country’s regional strategic capabilities.
While Moroccan pilots have reportedly tested the C-390 Millennium from Brazilian company Embraer as a potential addition to their transport fleet, the current focus remains on extending the operational life of the existing C-130 aircraft through comprehensive modernization.
