The United States State Department has made a determination approving a possible sale of High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS) and related equipment, costing approximately $524 million (USD).
The Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) informed the US Legislature on Tuesday of its intent to sell this system to Morocco.
The overall package contains various types of weaponry, including but not limited to rocket launchers and pads, tactical missile and data systems, warheads, high mobility multipurpose and resupply vehicles, cargo and wrecker trucks, radio systems, laptop computers, key loaders, system receivers, camouflage screen and support systems, quality / technical assistance teams, and logistical support services.
The U.S. position is that this sale will support its foreign policy priorities and thus its national security by helping to enhance the security of its Major Non-NATO allies—like Morocco—that continue to employ what it considers to be a stabilizing political and economic force in North Africa.
This proposal will purportedly improve Morocco’s ability to counter current and future threats emanating from outside its borders, thus contributing to overall regional stability and security.
It is also expected to facilitate the collaboration of Moroccan and U.S. forces, which conduct cooperative exercises on a regular basis in countering terrorism in the region.
DSCA asserts that Morocco “will have no difficulty absorbing these articles into its armed forces,” and that this proposed sale “will not alter the military balance in the region.”
Major contributing contractors / suppliers of this defense package include the following U.S. companies, along with the location of their headquarters: Harris Communications, Rochester, NY; Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control; Camden, AK; AM General LLC, South Bend, IN; Raytheon, Waltham, MA; Oshkosh Defense LLC, Oshkosh, WI; and AAR Corporation / AAR Manufacturing Inc., Cadillac, MI.