The Morocco continues to strengthen its military capabilities by collaborating with various world powers to equip its army with cutting-edge equipment. Among its privileged partners, the United States occupies a special place, with which the Cherifian kingdom maintains close strategic relationships.
This Thursday, June 27, the US Department of Defense announced a new step in this cooperation by declaring that the next combat aircraft F-16 from Morocco will be equipped with the American Viper Shield system. This advanced electronic warfare system will significantly strengthen the operational capabilities of Royal Armed Forces (FAR)particularly in terms of protection and air superiority.
The Viper Shield system will be integrated into the order for 25 F-16 Block 70/72 fighter jets, placed last year by the FAR. These aircraft, known for their versatility and performance, will benefit from this state-of-the-art equipment, thus increasing their effectiveness in electronic combat situations.
It is the American arms giant, Lockheed Martin, which will drive the execution of this command. « Its modern, fully digital architecture improves system performance, reduces its size and weight and facilitates future upgrades.« says a source close to the American manufacturer.
This partnership is part of a long tradition of military cooperation between Morocco and the United States, aimed at modernizing and strengthening the kingdom’s defensive capabilities. For decades, the United States has provided Morocco with a variety of military equipment, including aircraft, helicopters, armoured vehicles and defence systems.
The integration of the Viper Shield system into the new F-16s is part of a vast program to modernize Morocco’s military capabilities. The kingdom has invested in various defense sectors, including training of military personnel, the acquisition of new equipment and the development of endogenous skills production and maintenance.
