Helis, March 05, 2025 - Morocco has received its first batch of six Apache AH-64E combat helicopters from the United States in a formal handover ceremony held today.
According to a statement from the General Staff of the Royal Armed Forces of Morocco, the acquisition of these helicopters aims to "strengthen the defense capabilities" of the country. It also "illustrates the level of cooperation and strategic partnership" between Morocco and the United States in security and defense matters.
The ceremony took place at the Salé Air Base, near Rabat, and was attended by several ministers and high-ranking military officials from both countries including Morocco’s Minister Delegate for Defense, Abdelatif Loudiyi; the Inspector General of the FAR and Commander of the Southern Zone, General Mohamed Berrid; the Commander of the Royal Gendarmerie and Air Division, General Mohamed Haramou; and the Inspector of the Royal Air Force, General Mohamed Gadih. Also present were the Minister of Industry, Ryad Mezzour, and the Minister Delegate in charge of the Budget at the Ministry of Economy, Fouzi Lekjaa.
On the U.S. side, the delegation was led by General Michael Langley, Commander of the United States Africa Command (US AFRICOM), along with Aimee Cutrona, the Chargé d'Affaires at the U.S. Embassy in Morocco.
The helicopters were delivered by ship
In February 2023, Morocco’s defense administration signed an industrial compensation agreement with the American company Boeing, which includes provisions for local manufacturers to supply spare parts worth $150 million. Additionally, in November 2024, the Moroccan government approved a decree allowing for temporary tax exemptions for companies involved in the defense equipment and armament industry.
Morocco has increased its 2025 defense budget allocation for arms procurement, maintenance, and military industrialization by 6.9%, reaching a total of 133.453 billion dirhams ($12.393 billion).
According to a statement from the General Staff of the Royal Armed Forces of Morocco, the acquisition of these helicopters aims to "strengthen the defense capabilities" of the country. It also "illustrates the level of cooperation and strategic partnership" between Morocco and the United States in security and defense matters.
The ceremony took place at the Salé Air Base, near Rabat, and was attended by several ministers and high-ranking military officials from both countries including Morocco’s Minister Delegate for Defense, Abdelatif Loudiyi; the Inspector General of the FAR and Commander of the Southern Zone, General Mohamed Berrid; the Commander of the Royal Gendarmerie and Air Division, General Mohamed Haramou; and the Inspector of the Royal Air Force, General Mohamed Gadih. Also present were the Minister of Industry, Ryad Mezzour, and the Minister Delegate in charge of the Budget at the Ministry of Economy, Fouzi Lekjaa.
On the U.S. side, the delegation was led by General Michael Langley, Commander of the United States Africa Command (US AFRICOM), along with Aimee Cutrona, the Chargé d'Affaires at the U.S. Embassy in Morocco.
The helicopters were delivered by ship
In February 2023, Morocco’s defense administration signed an industrial compensation agreement with the American company Boeing, which includes provisions for local manufacturers to supply spare parts worth $150 million. Additionally, in November 2024, the Moroccan government approved a decree allowing for temporary tax exemptions for companies involved in the defense equipment and armament industry.
Morocco has increased its 2025 defense budget allocation for arms procurement, maintenance, and military industrialization by 6.9%, reaching a total of 133.453 billion dirhams ($12.393 billion).
Rabat-Salé See also |
AH-64E Apache in
Royal Moroccan Air Force 
