The State Department has approved two potential deals with Morocco for High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS) launchers Joint Stand-Off Weapons (JSOW) potentially totaling nearly $775 million.
The Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) notified Congress on Tuesday of both foreign military sales.
The deal for the Lockheed Martin [LMT]-built HIMARS is worth $524.2 million and would cover 18 of the launchers.
Morocco would also receive 40 ATACMS missiles and 72 GMLRS rockets, also manufactured by Lockheed Martin, as well as 40 practice rocket pods, nine Humvees, radios, and Oshkosh Defense [OSK]-built Family of Medium Tactical Vehicle cargo trucks, wrecker trucks and five-ton trailers.
“The proposed sale will improve Morocco’s capability to meet current and future threats and will contribute to Morocco’s ability to detect threats and control its borders, contributing to the maintenance of regional stability and security. It will also enhance the interoperability of the Royal Armed Forces, which routinely exercises with U.S. forces, focusing on countering terrorism and Violent Extremist Organizations in the Maghreb and Sahel region,” the DSCA said in a statement.
The separate $250 million FMS case for AGM-154C JSOWs covers 40 of the Raytheon Missiles and Defense [RTX]-built weapons.
Under the deal, Morocco would also receive dummy air training missiles, captive flight vehicles, free flight vehicles, testing and integration support and weapon operational flight program software development services.
“Morocco intends to use the missiles on its F-16, multi-role fighter aircraft and will provide enhanced capabilities in effective defense of critical sea lanes. The proposed sale of these missiles and support will increase the Royal Moroccan Air Force’s maritime partnership potential and align its capabilities with existing regional baselines,” the DSCA said in a statement.