Morocco signed an agreement on Monday to acquire Tube-launched, Optically tracked, Wire-guided (TOW) anti-tank missiles from the United States, reported the U.S. Department of Defense.
The TOW missile was originally designed by the Hughes Aircraft Company between 1963 and 1968. More recently, TOW missiles have been used in the Russia-Ukraine war as part of the United States’ 300 million euro military aid package to Ukraine. They have a basic operational range of 3,000 meters, although most variants can reach up to 3,750 meters.
The US State Department had previously approved the sale of 18 High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS) and related equipment, costing approximately $524 million (USD).
TOW missiles are typically used on Bradley vehicles, known for their endurance and strong artillery fire, but it is not clear if such vehicles are part of the US deal. The missiles are scheduled to be delivered to the kingdom next year and will be accompanied by main batteries integrated with One Point Defence.
In mid-2023, Morocco started receiving the first shipments of Israeli-made Barak MX anti-aircraft and missile defense systems, as part of a $500 million arms deal signed in February 2022 with leading aviation manufacturer “Israel Aerospace Industries.”