The State Department approved the sale of Javelin Missiles and associated equipment to Morocco at an estimated cost of $260 million, the Defense Security Cooperation Agency announced in a press release on Tuesday. The agency notified Congress about the sale on the same day.
Morocco has requested the purchase of a total of 612 Javelin FGM-148F missiles (the package of which includes 12 fly-to-buy missiles) and 200 Javelin Lightweight Command Launch Units (LWCLUs).
In addition to the missiles and launch units, the sale includes missile simulation rounds, support equipment for the Javelin system, various tools, publications, power distribution equipment, component parts, life cycle support, technical assistance, training for riflemen and ammunition officers, System Integration and Checkout (SICO), maintenance training, Tactical Aviation and Ground Munitions (TAGM), and other related logistics and program support elements.
This sale is expected to enhance Morocco’s long-term defense capabilities, enabling the country to protect its sovereignty, territorial integrity, and meet its national defense needs.
The FGM-148 Javelin is an American-manufactured portable anti-tank system that has been in service since 1996, with major customers including Australia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, and France. The weapon has demonstrated its effectiveness in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, with a unit cost of approximately $78,000.
In 2023, Morocco acquired 18 U.S. High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS) missile launch platforms and requested 40 AGM-154C JSOW guided bombs for its U.S. F-16 fighter jets, totaling $774 million.
Morocco also bought the PULS rocket launcher and became the inaugural customer of the SpyX stealth drone, which boasts a 50-kilometer operational range.
The Moroccan Army also procured the Barak MX long-range air defense system from Israel and has expressed interest in acquiring Rafael’s Spyder medium-range air defense system.