Rabat – US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) published a statement on September 12, announcing that the State Department has decided to approve a foreign military sale to Morocco.
Morocco requested to buy a shipment of TOW-2A missiles for an estimated budget of $776 million.
“The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale on September 11, 2019,” the statement added.
Morocco wants to buy a set of military equipment. The list includes: “2,401 TOW 2A, Radio Frequency (RF) Missiles (BGM-71-4B-RF); 28 TOW 2A, Radio Frequency (RF) Missiles (BGM-71-4B-RF), Fly-to-Buy missiles for lot acceptance testing; and Four hundred (400) M220A2 TOW Launchers and/or four hundred (400) M41 Improved Target Acquisition System (ITAS) Launchers.”
Morocco’s sale request also includes missile support equipment, government-furnished equipment, training, US government technical and logistical support, contractor technical support, and other associated equipment and services.
The statement says that the sale of the TWO 2A Missiles and TWO Launchers will strengthen Morocco’s efforts to “develop an integrated ground defense capability.”
The sale aims to support US foreign policy and national security through helping to “improve the security of a major NON-NATO ally.”
The statement also described Morocco as an “important force for political stability and economic progress in North Africa.”
In another press release, the state department approved the military sale to Morocco of more F-16 ammunition at the cost of $209.
The statement says that Morocco requested another sale of 5,810 MK82-1 Bombs (Tritonal); 300 MK84-4 Bombs (Tritonal);105 Joint Direct Attack Munitions (JDAM) KMU-572F/B Tail Kits; and 180 of MXU-651B/B Air Foil Groups (AFG).
The list also includes the request to purchase 4,305 MAU-169L/B Computer Control Groups (CCG), GBU-10,-12,-16; and 5,178 FMU-152 Fuzes.
Morocco is one of the strongest US allies in North Africa as the two countries collaborate to fight terrorism and radicalization.
Throughout the year, the US State Department announced several arms deals between both countries.
The US continues to be Morocco’s main arms supplier.
Morocco received 62% of its arms from the US between 2014-2018. Morocco also received 32% of its major arms from France, a second major supplier for Morocco.
