The Royal Moroccan Armed Forces has officially showcased its first three AH-64E Apache combat helicopters, a significant addition to its military capabilities and part of a larger procurement initiative with the United States. This acquisition is part of a broader foreign military sale valued at approximately $4.25 billion, which Morocco requested in 2019. The sale includes plans for up to 36 Apache helicopters, highlighting Morocco’s commitment to modernizing its air force.
Currently, the newly acquired helicopters are stationed at an airport in Texas, where they await transportation to Morocco. This milestone in military equipment acquisition represents a crucial step for the Royal Moroccan Armed Forces as it seeks to enhance its operational effectiveness.
According to the approval notification released by the US Department of Defense, the deal encompasses not just the helicopters but also a range of accompanying hardware, support, training, and logistics services. This comprehensive package is designed to ensure that Moroccan forces can effectively integrate the advanced capabilities of the Apache into their existing operations.
In addition to the helicopters themselves, the procurement includes an extensive suite of weaponry. This includes 551 Hellfire air-to-surface missiles, 200 AIM-92H Stinger air-to-air missiles, and 558 Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS) precision-guided rocket kits. These armaments will provide the Moroccan military with various tactical advantages on the modern battlefield.
The AH-64E Apache, developed by Boeing, boasts impressive specifications that enhance its combat effectiveness. It can operate at a service ceiling of 20,000 feet (6,096 meters) and achieve speeds exceeding 150 knots (173 miles/278 kilometers per hour). With a wingspan of 48 feet (14 meters) and an overall airframe length of similar dimensions, the helicopter is engineered for high performance, with a maximum operating weight of 23,000 pounds (10,433 kilograms).
One of the significant upgrades in the AH-64E variant is its advanced General Electric turbine engine, which improves power, range, and overall efficiency compared to its predecessors. Furthermore, it can be equipped with a variety of weaponry, including multi-domain warheads and 30-millimeter chain guns capable of firing up to 650 rounds per minute, making it a formidable presence in any combat scenario.
The introduction of these Apache helicopters is expected to enhance Morocco’s defense capabilities significantly, providing the Royal Moroccan Armed Forces with state-of-the-art technology to address both regional security challenges and its defense strategy. As the helicopters prepare for their journey to North Africa, they symbolize a step forward in Morocco’s military modernization efforts and its strategic partnership with the United States.
