"Delivery of these weapon system will greatly enhance Morocco's
interoperability with the U.S. and other NATO nations, making it a more
valuable partner in an increasingly important area of the world," the
Defense Security Cooperation Agency said.
In a Sept. 9 statement, the Pentagon agency identified the F-16 weapons
as the Maverick missile, Paveway-2 and Vulcan. Morocco has requested 20
Maverick air-to-ground, or AGM-65D, missiles as well as eight training
missiles.
The Obama administration has also approved Rabat's request for 60
enhanced GBU-12 Paveway-2 kits and 28 M-61 20 mm Vulcan cannons. Morocco
also wants to install communications, air combat pods, targeting pods,
ground stations, night-vision goggles, joint mission planning systems and
radar-warning receivers.
"The proposed sale will allow the Moroccan Air Force to modernize its
aging fighter inventory, thereby enabling Morocco to support both its own
air defense needs and coalition operations," DSCA said. "Morocco is one of
the most stable and pro-Western of the Arab states, and the U.S. remains
committed to a long-term relationship with Morocco."
The contractors in the proposed project were identified as Lockheed
Martin, BAE, Boeing, Northrop Grumman, Raytheon and L-3 Communications.
Officials said the deal would not include offsets.
"Implementation of this sale will not require the assignment of any
additional U.S. government personnel or contractor representatives to
Morocco," DSCA said.
