Morocco has deployed the first of its new Apache AH-64E helicopters during a military training exercise with the United States.
The helicopters saw their first action in exercise African Lion in May 2025. The state-of-the-art helicopters, acquired from the U.S., are part of an order for 24 units, of which six are already operational, according to The Africa Report. Twenty-four Moroccan military personnel have been trained under a program offered by the U.S. Defense Security Cooperation Agency.
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 features an improved modern target acquisition system that provides day, night and all-weather target information, and 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.
Morocco in June 2020 ordered 24 AH-64Es in a deal worth $440 million after requesting the aircraft in late 2019. The agreement includes an option to buy 12 additional choppers made by Boeing. A report by the Moroccan Military Forum said the helicopter is known for combat effectiveness and is equipped with “cutting-edge military technologies.”
According to The Defense Post, the deal also includes 551 Hellfire air-to-surface missiles, 200 AIM-92H Stinger air-to-air missiles and 558 Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System precision-guided rocket kits. The Hellfire is a laser-guided, subsonic tactical missile used to target armored vehicles, including tanks, bunkers, radar systems and antennas, communications equipment, soft targets, and hovering helicopters. It has 12 variants, according to the Post. Originally designed for helicopters, it now can be launched from air, sea and ground platforms.