DefenseNews: Doha – Morocco’s air defense is set for a major upgrade as the US-made Patriot missile system arrived for field testing at the Royal Armed Forces’ main air defense base in Salé, marking a key step toward its formal acquisition.
Three Patriot launchers were spotted being transported on Moroccan highways, pointing to the commencement of technical evaluations and operational familiarization phases.
“The Patriot system combines an advanced anti-aircraft interceptor missile with one of the world’s most capable target-tracking radars,” explained the Defense Atlas Observatory, indicating its battle-tested performance and frontline credibility.
The system has demonstrated its precision in various conflict zones, including the Russia-Ukraine conflict, where earlier versions successfully intercepted Russian fighters and missiles.
The groundwork for this acquisition was laid in January 2021, when the US International Trade Administration revealed Morocco’s interest in the system.
“Morocco is the largest purchaser of U.S. arms in Africa… The country has purchased Patriot air defense systems and G550 reconnaissance aircraft,” the administration stated in an official note.
Lockheed Martin’s vice president of air and missile defense systems declared that Morocco is set to acquire the latest PAC-3 MSE variant of the Patriot system, confirming the deal in public remarks made the same year.
This acquisition would significantly enhance Morocco’s multi-layered air defense architecture, particularly against ballistic threats.
The testing process mirrors previous major military acquisitions by Morocco. “This process is similar to that of Apache helicopters, which were field-tested in Morocco in 2016 before the official agreement signing, as well as HIMARS missile systems, which underwent multiple tests during African Lion exercises before their official acquisition,” the Observatory reported.
The Patriot system, which can intercept targets at distances ranging from 40 to 160 kilometers and altitudes exceeding 24,400 meters, would complement Morocco’s existing air defense network.
The system holds the distinction of being the first anti-aircraft weapon system to successfully engage a tactical ballistic missile in combat and provide tactical missile protection during operations.
Earlier this month, Morocco received its first batch of six AH-64E Apache combat helicopters at the Sale Royal Air Force Base. During the ceremony, General Michael Langley, Commander of US AFRICOM, stressed Morocco’s regional influence.
“African armies are watching you and taking examples from you,” he said, noting that Morocco has become “a reference in defense and stability.”
The United States currently maintains $8.545 billion in active government-to-government sales cases with Morocco under the Foreign Military Sales system.
The final acquisition agreement is expected to be announced by the US Defense Department’s Defense Cooperation Agency following the completion of field tests.
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