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US selling patriot missiles to Morocco

Last year Morocco acquired F-16 fighters equipped with advanced radar, as well as dozens of Apache attack helicopters

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The US State Department has approved the sale of Patriot missiles to Morocco. It is part of Morocco's comprehensive military modernization plan aimed at creating the largest and best equipped military on the African continent.

The North African Post reported that the US International Trade Administration considered and approved the sale of the missiles and a G550 reconnaissance aircraft. The scope of the Patriot deal was not released.

Last year, Morocco purchased 25 F-16 fighters equipped with 5th generation radar (for $2.8 billion) and 24 Apache attack helicopters (for $2.6 billion). There is also a plan for the establishment of a military industry in Morocco. Far Maroc, a website specializing in Moroccan military affairs, reported that Morocco plans to operate a total of 48 advanced F-16s in its Air Force, with a goal of maintaining air superiority in North Africa.

Morocco's King Mohammed VI recently sent a message to his country's Armed Forces in which he spoke of the modernization plan and emphasized that the Armed Forces must "remain the protective shield" for the defense of the nation's "sacred values".


https://www.israeldefense.co.il/en/node/47905
US confirms the purchase of Patriot air defense missile systems by Morocco

https://www.armyrecognition.com/def...t_air_defense_missile_systems_by_morocco.html
Morocco being a protectorate of France and Israel, it has no leadership future in the North African region. The North African countries (Algeria the main regional leader, as well as Tunisia, Libya and Mauritania) have always been very suspicious of Morocco's allegiance to Israel and to Western powers, which makes Morocco an "enemy-Brother" in the region.,
 
There is a large campaign in social media in Morocco to adopt English instead of French as a second language, and government channels respond and tweet in English instead of French..
 
The FMS portfolio increased over 100% this year with the signing of F-16 and Apache cases (from $ 4.01 billion to $ 8.5 billion). Several more cases currently under discussion may take the FMS portfolio well over $ 10 billion in the coming years. Primary sources for the Moroccan military are the United States, France, and Spain; Morocco is the largest purchaser of American weapons in Africa. Over the last decade, Morocco has strengthened its navy and equipped its army with sophisticated vehicles. In addition, this year, Morocco purchased 25 new F-16 aircraft, for a total budget of $2.8 billion. It also purchased 24 new Apache attack helicopters at $1.6 billion as well as PATRIOT Air Defense systems and G550 reconnaissance aircraft.

https://www.trade.gov/knowledge-product/morocco-aerospace
 
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