The top arms negotiator of the Pentagon has announced that the U.S. State Department has granted approval to Morocco’s request for the acquisition of M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS) and Joint Stand Off Weapons (JSOW).
As per a statement from the Defense Security Cooperation Agency, the total value of the two agreements, including related equipment and tactical missiles, amounts to approximately $524.2 million and $250 million respectively.
The United States has greenlit the sale of 18 HIMARS launchers, 40 M57 Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS), 36 M31A2 Guided Multiple Launch Rocket Systems (GMLRS), 40 AGM-154 glide bombs, and associated equipment.
The statement further emphasized that this proposed transaction will bolster the foreign policy and national security interests of the United States by enhancing the security of a Major Non-NATO Ally. It recognizes Morocco as a crucial force for political stability and economic advancement in North Africa.
Moreover, it was noted that Morocco intends to deploy the JSOW on its F-16 multi-role fighter aircraft, thereby strengthening their capabilities to effectively defend critical sea lanes.