Royal Moroccan Air Force confirms the arrival of its first AH-64E Apache attack helicopters from the United States
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On March 3, 2025, the Royal Moroccan Armed Forces confirmed that the country received its first six AH-64E Apache Guardian attack helicopters as part of a defense procurement agreement with the United States. This initial delivery is part of a contract signed in 2019 for 36 AH-64Es, including 24 confirmed units and an option for 12 additional aircraft. The helicopters are being acquired through the U.S. Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program, with deliveries scheduled to continue through 2024 and beyond. Morocco is the 17th country to operate the AH-64 Apache.Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link
On June 25, 2020, Morocco signed a contract with Boeing Defense to acquire 24 AH-64E Apache attack helicopters, with an option for 12 additional units, supplied through the Foreign Military Sale (FMS) system. (Picture source: Royal Moroccan Armed Forces)
The procurement process reportedly began in 2010, with serious negotiations commencing in April 2018, followed by the U.S. State Department’s November 2019 approval of a possible Foreign Military Sale (FMS) of up to 36 AH-64E helicopters and related equipment to Morocco, estimated at $4.25 billion. On June 25, 2020, Morocco signed a contract with Boeing Defense to acquire 24 AH-64E Apache attack helicopters, with an option for 12 additional units, supplied through the FMS framework, which facilitates standardized capabilities and interoperability with allied forces. This order is part of a broader military modernization effort, including substantial acquisitions of U.S. military equipment.
Following the cancellation of negotiations for the purchase of French Rafale fighter jets in 2006, Morocco has prioritized military cooperation with the United States. While limited procurements from France, such as the acquisition of a FREMM frigate and the potential acquisition of 30 Mirage 2000-9Es, have continued, the majority of Morocco’s recent defense procurements have involved U.S.-manufactured equipment. Under the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program, Morocco has active government-to-government sales cases with the United States totaling $8.545 billion as of January 2025.
Recent procurements include 25 F-16C/D Block 72 aircraft, 36 AH-64E Apache attack helicopters, 18 M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) launchers, 40 AGM-154C Joint Stand Off Weapons (JSOW), and 612 FGM-148F Javelin missiles, among others. Furthermore, there are rumors that Morocco wants to purchase the F-35 stealth fighter to counter Algeria’s Su-57s. These acquisitions reflect Morocco’s efforts to modernize its armed forces by diversifying its suppliers, including Brazil and China, while mainly strengthening its defense partnership with the United States.
The AH-64 Apache has been in service since 1986 and is used by multiple military forces worldwide, and the AH-64E was purchased by key US allies such as South Korea and the United Kingdom. Boeing has produced over 5,000 Apaches, which are operated by the United States, the United Kingdom, Saudi Arabia, India, Israel, the Netherlands, and other nations. The Apache helicopter is designed for attack missions, integrating sensor systems, a tandem-seat cockpit, and a weapons suite. The AH-64 has been deployed in various conflicts, where it has been used for precision strikes and reconnaissance.
The AH-64E Apache Guardian is the latest version of the Apache series. It was initially designated as the AH-64D Block III before being redesignated in 2012. The AH-64E includes upgrades such as digital connectivity, an improved Modernized Target Acquisition Designation System (MTADS), and an updated Longbow radar system. The Longbow radar provides target tracking capabilities and has been modified for operations in maritime environments. The AH-64E is also equipped with the Joint Tactical Information Distribution System (JTIDS), which enhances communication and data-sharing across networks.
The AH-64E features the ability to control unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), a function enabled through the Manned-Unmanned Teaming (MUMT-X) datalink. This system operates across multiple frequency bands, including C, D, L, and Ku, allowing real-time coordination with UAVs and other assets. The latest AH-64E production lots have been equipped with additional enhancements, such as Link 16 data links for communication with allied forces and extended-range fuel tanks to increase operational range.
The AH-64E is powered by upgraded T700-GE-701D engines and an improved rotor drive system. The composite rotor blades increase speed, climb rate, and payload capacity. The U.S. Army has continued to introduce modifications to the AH-64E, including the Version 6.5 upgrade, which first flew in 2023 and includes updates to survivability and networking capabilities. Production of the AH-64E is expected to continue at least until 2028, with the helicopter projected to remain in service into the 2060s.
The AH-64E is armed with a 30 mm M230 chain gun and four hardpoints for external weapons. It can carry AGM-114 Hellfire missiles, Hydra 70 rockets, and AIM-92 Stinger air-to-air missiles. Additional weapons integrations include the MBDA Brimstone and Spike NLOS missiles, which provide extended-range engagement capabilities. The AH-64E is designed for anti-armor and close air support missions, with weapon systems that allow the engagement of multiple target types in various combat scenarios.
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On March 3, 2025, the Royal Moroccan Armed Forces confirmed that the country received its first six AH-64E Apache Guardian attack helicopters as part of a defense procurement agreement with the United States. This initial delivery is part of a contract signed in 2019 for 36 AH-64Es, including 24 confirmed units and an option for 12 additional aircraft. The helicopters are being acquired through the U.S. Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program, with deliveries scheduled to continue through 2024 and beyond. Morocco is the 17th country to operate the AH-64 Apache.
Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link
On June 25, 2020, Morocco signed a contract with Boeing Defense to acquire 24 AH-64E Apache attack helicopters, with an option for 12 additional units, supplied through the Foreign Military Sale (FMS) system. (Picture source: Royal Moroccan Armed Forces)
The procurement process reportedly began in 2010, with serious negotiations commencing in April 2018, followed by the U.S. State Department’s November 2019 approval of a possible Foreign Military Sale (FMS) of up to 36 AH-64E helicopters and related equipment to Morocco, estimated at $4.25 billion. On June 25, 2020, Morocco signed a contract with Boeing Defense to acquire 24 AH-64E Apache attack helicopters, with an option for 12 additional units, supplied through the FMS framework, which facilitates standardized capabilities and interoperability with allied forces. This order is part of a broader military modernization effort, including substantial acquisitions of U.S. military equipment.
Following the cancellation of negotiations for the purchase of French Rafale fighter jets in 2006, Morocco has prioritized military cooperation with the United States. While limited procurements from France, such as the acquisition of a FREMM frigate and the potential acquisition of 30 Mirage 2000-9Es, have continued, the majority of Morocco’s recent defense procurements have involved U.S.-manufactured equipment. Under the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program, Morocco has active government-to-government sales cases with the United States totaling $8.545 billion as of January 2025.
Recent procurements include 25 F-16C/D Block 72 aircraft, 36 AH-64E Apache attack helicopters, 18 M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) launchers, 40 AGM-154C Joint Stand Off Weapons (JSOW), and 612 FGM-148F Javelin missiles, among others. Furthermore, there are rumors that Morocco wants to purchase the F-35 stealth fighter to counter Algeria’s Su-57s. These acquisitions reflect Morocco’s efforts to modernize its armed forces by diversifying its suppliers, including Brazil and China, while mainly strengthening its defense partnership with the United States.
The AH-64 Apache has been in service since 1986 and is used by multiple military forces worldwide, and the AH-64E was purchased by key US allies such as South Korea and the United Kingdom. Boeing has produced over 5,000 Apaches, which are operated by the United States, the United Kingdom, Saudi Arabia, India, Israel, the Netherlands, and other nations. The Apache helicopter is designed for attack missions, integrating sensor systems, a tandem-seat cockpit, and a weapons suite. The AH-64 has been deployed in various conflicts, where it has been used for precision strikes and reconnaissance.
The AH-64E Apache Guardian is the latest version of the Apache series. It was initially designated as the AH-64D Block III before being redesignated in 2012. The AH-64E includes upgrades such as digital connectivity, an improved Modernized Target Acquisition Designation System (MTADS), and an updated Longbow radar system. The Longbow radar provides target tracking capabilities and has been modified for operations in maritime environments. The AH-64E is also equipped with the Joint Tactical Information Distribution System (JTIDS), which enhances communication and data-sharing across networks.
The AH-64E features the ability to control unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), a function enabled through the Manned-Unmanned Teaming (MUMT-X) datalink. This system operates across multiple frequency bands, including C, D, L, and Ku, allowing real-time coordination with UAVs and other assets. The latest AH-64E production lots have been equipped with additional enhancements, such as Link 16 data links for communication with allied forces and extended-range fuel tanks to increase operational range.
The AH-64E is powered by upgraded T700-GE-701D engines and an improved rotor drive system. The composite rotor blades increase speed, climb rate, and payload capacity. The U.S. Army has continued to introduce modifications to the AH-64E, including the Version 6.5 upgrade, which first flew in 2023 and includes updates to survivability and networking capabilities. Production of the AH-64E is expected to continue at least until 2028, with the helicopter projected to remain in service into the 2060s.
The AH-64E is armed with a 30 mm M230 chain gun and four hardpoints for external weapons. It can carry AGM-114 Hellfire missiles, Hydra 70 rockets, and AIM-92 Stinger air-to-air missiles. Additional weapons integrations include the MBDA Brimstone and Spike NLOS missiles, which provide extended-range engagement capabilities. The AH-64E is designed for anti-armor and close air support missions, with weapon systems that allow the engagement of multiple target types in various combat scenarios.
