Morocco's $260 million Javelin missile purchase receives US approval

Morocco is poised to enhance its defense capabilities through the procurement of 612 Javelin missiles and 200 launch units from the United States, in a deal valued at approximately $260 million. This significant transaction, detailed in an official notice published in the US Federal Register on May 30, marks a crucial step in bolstering Morocco’s military readiness.

The sale, which requires final approval from the US Congress, has already garnered endorsement from the US State Department. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency initially announced the proposed sale on March 19, 2024, in correspondence with House Speaker Mike Johnson. The official documentation outlines Morocco's request for the acquisition of "six hundred twelve (612) Javelin FGM–148F missiles (including twelve (12) fly-to-buy missiles) and two hundred (200) Javelin Lightweight Command Launch Units (LWCLUs)."

As articulated in the Federal Register's policy justification section, "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 Javelin missile system is renowned for its effectiveness in anti-tank warfare and is expected to significantly enhance Morocco’s long-term defense posture.

US defense officials have emphasized that the proposed sale will augment Morocco’s capacity to defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity while addressing its national defense requirements. Notably, the documentation asserts that Morocco will integrate this advanced equipment seamlessly into its armed forces.

The comprehensive package includes not only the missiles and launch units but also missile simulation rounds, essential support gear, maintenance training, and logistical support. The prime contractors for this deal are the Javelin Joint Venture, comprising Lockheed Martin in Orlando, Florida, and RTX Corporation in Tucson, Arizona. The notice explicitly mentions that "there are no known offset agreements in connection with this potential sale."

This arms deal represents the first formal announcement since His Majesty King Mohammed VI's government engaged with the US under the Biden administration. It follows a previous proposal on April 15 for the sale of 600 FIM-92K Stinger missiles, valued at an estimated $825 million. These acquisitions reflect a continuation of defense cooperation established during previous administrations, underscoring Morocco's strategic partnership with the US.

The Javelin missile system, in production since 1996, is recognized as one of the premier anti-tank weapons available, capable of engaging modern armored vehicles with precision. With fire-and-forget technology, the Javelin allows operators to fire the missile and relocate immediately, thereby enhancing survivability in combat scenarios. The system's versatility enables mounting on various platforms, including vehicles and aircraft.

Military collaboration between Morocco and the United States has strengthened over the years, positioning Morocco as a key defense ally in Africa. Joint military exercises, such as African Lion—the largest US-led military drill on the continent—serve to enhance operational coordination between the two nations' armed forces.

With this latest acquisition, Morocco continues to modernize its military, ensuring that it remains a formidable force in North Africa. The US government has confirmed that Morocco can adequately safeguard the sensitive technology associated with this sale and that it will not disrupt the regional military balance. The total military spending package, valued at $260 million, comprises $180 million for major defense equipment and $80 million for supplementary services, with funding sourced from Morocco's national budget.