The US State Department has approved Morocco’s request to buy FGM-148 Javelin anti-tank missiles from RTX and Lockheed Martin.
According to a government announcement, Rabat sought permission to procure 612 US-made Javelins and missile simulation rounds to bolster its defense capabilities.
It also requested associated support equipment, component parts, gunner training, and other logistics-related services.
The potential foreign military sale is estimated to cost around $260 million.
The Javelins are expected to help the Royal Moroccan Army defend the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
It will also allow the US to improve the security of a major non-NATO ally, which has become an “important force” for stability in North Africa.
‘Reliable Infantry System’
Developed for the US Army and Marine Corps, the FGM-148 Javelin missile can neutralize tanks with conventional and reactive armor.
A unique feature is its ability to automatically guide itself to the target after launch, allowing operators to take cover and avoid counterfire.
It also has a top-attack profile in which the munition climbs above its targets and strikes where the armor is weakest.
The Javelin boasts an operational range of 2,500 meters (8,202 feet) and has proven to be a reliable infantry system in more than 20 countries, including Ukraine, Taiwan, and the UK.
In Morocco, the weapon can complement the Chinese-made Red Arrow 9A anti-tank missile currently in service with the military.
