Special to WorldTribune.com

WASHINGTON — Morocco, in a drive toward diversification, has sought
U.S. military equipment, a report said.

The Congressional Research Service asserted that Morocco was moving from
a French-origin military to that which would include U.S. fighter-jets.

“The sale of F-16s has drawn particular attention in the region, where
Algeria — reportedly the biggest regional arms purchaser — maintains air
superiority, although U.S. officials indicated the sale wouldn’t alter the
regional balance of military power,” the report, dated Dec. 20, said.

Author Alexis Arieff said Morocco procured $91.8 million worth of U.S.
defense equipment in 2010 and $86 million in commercial purchases in 2008.

They included 24 F-16 multi-role fighters, two T-6 training aircraft, 90
AGM-D Maverick air-to-ground missiles, 200 M1A1 main battle tanks,
night vision goggles, advanced AIM 120-C7 air-to-air medium-range missiles
systems and 26 M198 155 mm towed guns.

CRS said the Moroccan military was purchasing nearly $100 million per year in
American combat equipment.

The report said Morocco has been one of the top five recipients of U.S. military surplus. CRS cited the Moroccan procurement of MBTs, tracked vehicles and trucks.

The Moroccan purchases of U.S. weapons have not prompted an increase in American military aid to the North African kingdom. Under the U.S. Foreign Military Financing program, Morocco has received about $9 million in each of fiscal 2012 and 2011, and $1.9 million per year under the International Military
Education and Training program.

“The State Department intends to provide training for Moroccan troops participating in multilateral peacekeeping missions through the Global Peace Operations Initiative,” the report said.

“Morocco is seeking to diversify its arms sources, a program that has benefited U.S. companies,” the report, titled “Morocco: Current Issues,” said.

Other Moroccan purchases in 2011 included those of the Sidewinder

air-to-air missiles and U.S. military radar. Morocco also acquired a
Gulfstream G-550 aircraft for secure royal flights.

“Security assistance includes Foreign Military Financing grants to
maintain aging U.S.-origin equipment, including aircrafts and transportation
vehicles; boost maritime surveillance to address illegal immigration,
smuggling, drug trafficking, and illicit fishing; procure transport and
logistics equipment; and upgrade aerial surveillance,” the report said.

“Morocco is one of the top 20 recipients worldwide of International Military
Education and Training assistance, through which senior military officers
have received training in the United States.”

  Congressional Research Service, F-16 multi-role fighter, Foreign Military Financing, M1A1 main battle tank, Moroccan military’s purchase of F-16s marks shift from French platforms, Sidewinder missile