Congress was notified today of US plans for a $62 million sale of anti-ship missiles for Morocco that would be launched from F-16 aircraft.
Congress was notified today of US plans for a $62 million sale of anti-ship missiles for Morocco. Rabat has sought to buy 10 Harpoon Block II air-launched missiles, which include support equipment, personnel training and technical assistance.
Why it matters: Morocco intends to use the missiles on its F-16 fighter aircraft.
“This proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security of the United States by helping to improve the security of a major non-NATO ally that continues to be an important force for political stability and economic progress in North Africa,” the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency said in a statement. “The proposed sale of the missiles and support will increase the Moroccan Air Force’s maritime partnership potential and align its capabilities with existing regional baselines.”
What’s next: The Defense Security Cooperation Agency’s congressional notification of the sale paves the way for the transaction to move forward. Congress has not attempted to block arms sales for Morocco, a close US partner, in recent years.
Morocco has taken an increasingly assertive role in African politics in recent years.
