The Royal Armed Forces (FAR) of Morocco recently completed one of the most significant military acquisitions in centuries, obtaining HIMARS (High Mobility Artillery Rocket System) ballistic missile systems from the United States. This transaction, announced by the Pentagon, was officially notified to Congress after receiving the necessary certifications from the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency.
According to the platform “Arab Defense”, this acquisition, valued at approximately $524 million, concerns long-range surface-to-surface tactical ballistic missiles. The latter are renowned for their exceptional precision and extended range, characteristics which make them leading strategic tools in the field of defense.
This transaction will significantly strengthen Morocco’s military capabilities, allowing it to better detect and counter potential threats, while improving control of its borders. This contributes significantly to regional stability and security. In addition, the modernization of the Moroccan arsenal with HIMARS systems will improve the interoperability of the FAR with allied forces, notably the United States.
In this sense, Morocco’s FAR regularly trains with American forces as part of various joint programs aimed at combating terrorism and violent extremist organizations in North Africa and the Sahel region. This continued cooperation ensures a harmonious integration of new equipment into Moroccan military operations. The next delivery will include 18 HIMARS launchers, equipped with various types of missiles, including ATACMS (Army Tactical Missile System) missiles, capable of hitting targets at a distance of up to 300 kilometers.
HIMARS launchers, developed by the American company Lockheed Martin for the US Army, are designed for high mobility and high precision. They are equipped with advanced GPS guidance systems, and can fire ATACMS tactical missiles. These launchers are mounted on standard military trucks, which facilitates their deployment and movement on the battlefield. They also offer a rapid reload capability, allowing them to be returned to service in just one minute.
In addition to this acquisition, the Moroccan army has recently enriched its arsenal with a variety of modern military weapons, both air and land, thus consolidating its defense capacity with the most advanced technologies. The addition of HIMARS missile launchers represents a major strategic asset for Morocco, significantly increasing the operational capabilities of its armed forces.
