On January 27, 2025, Boeing initiated the delivery of the first AH-64E Apache Guardian attack helicopters to the Royal Moroccan Air Force (FARM, Force Aérienne Royale Marocaine). Three AH-64E helicopters made an unexpected overnight stop at Midland/Odessa Air Terminal in Texas before continuing their journey to Morocco. The serials of these helicopters are 2403, 2404, and an unknown one.
In June 2020, Morocco announced its plan to enhance its military capabilities by acquiring 24 AH-64E Apache Guardians from Boeing. The United States received a request in August 2019 for the procurement of these helicopters for $1.5 billion. Later, Morocco requested an additional 12 Apaches, bringing the total to 36 helicopters for an estimated $4.25 billion.
To support the new Apache squadrons, Morocco upgraded the Khouribga military base. The AH-64E model comes equipped with advanced weaponry, including AGM-114L/R Hellfire air-to-ground missiles, Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS) laser-guided missiles, over 5,000 70mm rockets, and AIM-92H Stinger air-to-air missiles. These enhancements ensure the helicopters’ effectiveness in both combat and training missions.
In November 2023, Boeing began constructing Morocco’s AH-64E Apache Guardians at their Mesa facility in Arizona. The AH-64E Guardian Block III (AB3) is an upgraded version with new technologies covering flight performance, maintenance, sensors, and even the ability to control UAVs as part of manned-unmanned teaming (MUT).
Morocco’s new Apaches will be armed with advanced missiles and equipped with defensive countermeasures and MUMT-2 equipment for UAV control. The AH-64E is one of the most lethal combat helicopters since its introduction in 1989. It is currently operated by countries including the US, UK, Israel, Greece, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the Netherlands, and Japan.
In 2021, the Royal Moroccan Air Force (RMAF) sent pilots and technicians for training in flying and maintaining the AH-64E Apaches. General Electric Aviation will supply 48 T700-701D turboshaft engines and spare parts for the new fleet. Additionally, Longbow Limited Liability Company, a joint venture between Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman, will provide AN/APG-78 Longbow radars.
The RMAF, which operates all military aviation assets, currently lacks a dedicated attack helicopter. It operates 24 Aérospatiale SA342L Gazelle helicopters in a light attack role, which were procured in 1978 and are due for replacement.
The acquisition of the Apaches is part of Morocco’s broader equipment procurement program, which also includes the latest Lockheed Martin F-16 Block 70/72 Fighting Falcons. These new assets will replace older Mirage F1s and Northrop F-5E/F Tiger IIs and augment the F-16C/Ds received from 2011.
