Morocco orders 24 Boeing AH-64E Apache attack helicopter
The Moroccan government has ordered 24 Boeing AH-64E Apache attack helicopters, with delivery expected to commence in 2024.
Boeing will build and deliver the new Moroccan Apaches under a contract with the U.S. Army through the U.S. government’s Foreign Military Sales process.
“This is another step forward in our long partnership with the Kingdom of Morocco,” said Jeff Shockey, vice president, Global Sales and Marketing, Boeing Defense, Space & Security and Government Services. “Worldwide demand for the Apache is growing and we are proud to provide this best-in-class capability to Morocco.”
Boeing has delivered nearly 2,500 Apache helicopters to 16 nations to date, including the U.S., Netherlands, Greece, United Kingdom, Japan, India, Singapore, South Korea and Saudi Arabia. Deliveries to Morocco are expected to begin in 2024.
In August 2019, The United States has received a request from the Moroccan Government for the procurement of twenty-four of Boeing AH-64E Apache Guardian attack helicopters for $1.5 billion dollars.
Later that year, Morocco’s requested for an additional 12 Boeing AH-64E Apache Guardian attack helicopters making a grand total of 36 helicopters for an estimated value of USD4.25 billion.
The weapons listed for the sale comprises of the Lockheed Martin AGM-114L/R Hellfire air-to-surface missiles; BAE Systems Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS) laser-guided rocket kits and over 5,000 70 mm rockets; and Raytheon AIM-92H Stinger air-to-air missiles.
The first indication of Morocco’s interest in the Apache helicopter was on July, 2018 when July 2018, a report published by The North African Post – a Pan-African media outlet reveals that the country was in negotiations with Boeing to purchase an undisclosed number of AH-64 Apache helicopters for its Armed Forces.
The AH-64E Apache is the latest configuration of the attack helicopter. It is designed and equipped with an open systems architecture including the latest communications, navigation, sensor and weapon systems. It has an improved Modernized Target Acquisition Designation System that provides day, night and all-weather target information, as well as night vision navigation capability. In addition to classifying ground and air targets, the Fire Control Radar has been updated to operate in a maritime environment.
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