“New Horizons: U.S. State Department Greenlights Groundbreaking Arms Agreement with Morocco”

The U.S. Department of State has declared its consent for a new military transaction with Morocco. This arrangement consists of hundreds of small-diameter munitions, particularly the GBU-39B variant, along with associated defense equipment, for an estimated price of $86 million.

The Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) informed Congress about this prospective trade on December 20, 2024, as mandated. The package comprises 500 GBU-39B SDBI bombs and two inert GBU-39 (T-1)/B instructional bombs.

The transaction also includes a variety of supplementary equipment, such as tactical training munitions, storage containers, weapons system support, and assorted spare components. The U.S. government and associated contractors will deliver training, logistics, and engineering assistance.

The Department of State asserted that this proposed transaction aims to advance U.S. foreign relations and national security goals by reinforcing the security of a key non-NATO partner. Morocco is regarded as an essential player in promoting political stability and economic development in North Africa.

This sale will enhance Morocco’s capabilities to tackle present and forthcoming challenges and improve collaborative operations between the U.S. and the Royal Moroccan Air Forces. The U.S. has guaranteed that Morocco will seamlessly integrate this technology into its military structure, and the transaction will not modify the fundamental military equilibrium in the area.

Boeing, located in St. Louis, Missouri, has been selected as the lead contractor for this agreement. No offset arrangements have been suggested in relation to this potential transaction.

The State Department emphasized that executing this arrangement will not necessitate additional U.S. government or contractor representatives in Morocco. Additionally, the sale will not negatively influence U.S. defense readiness. The estimated cost reflects the maximum anticipated requirements based on the initial proposal.