Morocco is set to receive the first batch of advanced AH-64E Apache helicopters from the United States this Monday evening. According to the official page of the Royal Moroccan Armed Forces Forum, this initial batch will arrive at the Tanger Med Port.
The source confirmed that the first shipment consists of six helicopters, while the full deal signed between Morocco and the American company Boeing includes 24 Apache helicopters, meaning the remaining units will be delivered in phases.
The arrival of these helicopters coincides with the completion of the Khouribga military base in Morocco, which will serve as the primary base for the Apache fleet.
Specialized sources reported in recent months that Morocco has been preparing the Khouribga base to accommodate this squadron, significantly boosting the Moroccan Air Force's capabilities. This is in line with the Morocco-U.S. agreement stipulating the delivery of Apache helicopters by 2025.
In November last year, Boeing Mesa announced that its manufacturing plant in Arizona, USA, had begun production of 24 advanced-generation AH-64E Apache attack helicopters for Morocco.
According to international media reports citing Boeing Mesa's Executive Director, Christina Upah, Morocco’s acquisition of these cutting-edge attack helicopters will enhance its defensive capabilities in the coming years. The Apache helicopters have proven their effectiveness in various military conflicts.
Upah also stated that Morocco and Boeing share a longstanding partnership spanning decades, expressing her pride that the deal for 24 Apache helicopters adds to the strong legacy between Morocco and Boeing.
The same reports indicated that Morocco signed the agreement to acquire the 24 Apache helicopters from Boeing in June 2020. This makes Morocco the 17th country in the world to order these helicopters, which will soon be delivered to the Moroccan military.
Notably, Moroccan forces trained with Apache helicopters during last year’s African Lion exercises. The U.S. military brought several Apache helicopters to Morocco via the Port of Agadir, signaling Morocco’s imminent acquisition of these aircraft.
Moroccan forces often use African Lion drills to test various weaponry before signing deals with the U.S. for procurement. This was the case with the Abrams tanks and the HIMARS defense system.
