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Tuesday, September 15, 2009

Obama Okays F-16 weapon systems for Morocco

WASHINGTON Ñ The United States has been advancing Morocco's first F-16 multi-role fighter program.   

The administration of President Barack Obama has approved a Moroccan request for support equipment for the F-16 program. In 2008, Morocco ordered 24 F-16 Block 52+ fighters in a $2.4 billion deal.

Under the latest Moroccan request, Rabat has sought support equipment and weaponry for the F-16 C/D Block 50/52. Officials said the cost of the Moroccan request was estimated at $187 million.


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"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.



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