Morocco - F-16C/D Block 50/52 Aircraft Support Equipment, Weapons

(Washington, September 9, 2009) -- Today the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) notified Congress of a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Morocco of F-16 C/D Block 50/52 aircraft support equipment and weapons at an estimated cost of $187 million.

The Government of Morocco has requested a possible sale of 40 LAU-129A Launchers; 20 AGM-65D MAVERICK Missiles; four AGM-65D MAVERICK Training Missiles; four AGM-65H MAVERICK Training Missiles; 60 Enhanced GBU-12 PAVEWAY II Kits; 28 M61 20mm Vulcan Cannons; 28 AN/ARC-238 Single Channel Ground and Airborne Radios with HAVEQUICK I/II or SATURN I/II. Also included are one Ground Based Simulator, 40 LAU-118A missile rails, six AN/AAQ-33 SNIPER Targeting Pods with Ground Station, 16 Air Combat Maneuvering Instrumentation (ACMI) Pods, four ACMI Ground Stations, eight Joint Mission Planning Systems, two Remote Operated Video Enhanced Receivers, 30 AN/ALR-93 Radar Warning Receivers, 30 AN/AVS-9 Night Vision Goggles, containers, bomb components, support equipment, repair and return, spares and repair parts, publications and technical documentation, personnel training and training equipment, U.S. Government and contractor technical, engineering, and logistics support services, and other related elements of logistics support.

The proposed sale will contribute to the foreign policy and national security objectives of the United States by enhancing Morocco's capacity to support U.S. efforts in the Overseas Contingency Operations, as well as supporting Morocco's legitimate need for its own self-defense. Morocco is one of the most stable and pro-Western of the Arab states, and the U.S. remains committed to a long-term relationship with Morocco.

The proposed sale will allow the Moroccan Air Force to modernize its aging fighter inventory, thereby enabling Morocco to support both its own air defense needs and coalition operations. Morocco is a Major Non-NATO ally. Delivery of these weapon system will greatly enhance Morocco's interoperability with the U.S. and other NATO nations, making it a more valuable partner in an increasingly important area of the world.

Source : US Defense Security Cooperation Agency