DEFENCEWEB
Boeing has started manufacturing the first of 24 AH-64E Apache attack helicopters for Morocco ahead of deliveries to the North African nation beginning in 2024.
Preparations are underway at the Khouribga military base to accommodate the new Apaches. Morocco in June 2020 ordered 24 AH-64Es in a deal worth $440 million after requesting the aircraft in late 2019. The contract is expected to conclude by March 2025.
Boeing is building the new Moroccan Apaches under a contract with the U.S. Army through the U.S. government’s Foreign Military Sales process. The AH-64E that Morocco has ordered features an improved modern target acquisition designation system that provides day, night and all-weather target information, and night vision navigation capability. In addition to classifying ground and air targets, Boeing said the fire control radar has been updated to operate in a maritime environment.
Morocco has been seeking a new attack helicopter for some time. Morocco’s military has no dedicated attack helicopter, instead relying on two dozen Gazelles, which are flown by Army Aviation and the Royal Moroccan Air Force.
Morocco also is acquiring other military aviation assets from the U.S., including 25 F-16C/D Block 72 fighter jets to replace the Mirage F1s it received in the 1970s, the Northrop F-5E/F Tiger IIs it received in the 1980s, and to augment and eventually replace the F-16C/Ds it received in 2011.
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