Moroccan Air Force to receive AIM-9X missiles from Raytheon

Morocco has signed a letter of offer and acceptance (LOA) with the US government for the purchase of AIM-9X Block II Sidewinder infrared-guided, air-to-air missiles from Raytheon.

As part of the agreement, the US government will supply an undisclosed number of tactical and training AIM-9X Block II Sidewinder missiles, which will be integrated into the Royal Moroccan Air Force's (RMAF) F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft fleet.

US Navy air-to-air missile programme manager, Captain John Martins, said the missiles will provide the RMAF with enhanced capability, in addition to boosting security in the Middle East and North Africa.

"This sale is a win for both the US and Moroccan warfighters because it enhances coalition air combat operations and also reduces the unit cost of the AIM-9X Block II missile through economies of scale," Martins added.

Raytheon Missile Systems' Air Warfare Systems product line vice president Harry Schulte said the sale represents the company's continued commitment to the Middle East and North African region.

"More than 400 Raytheon employees and suppliers have built and delivered more than 4,000 AIM-9X Block I missiles for the US and our allies worldwide," Schulte said.


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Morocco seeks tank upgrades

WASHINGTON, June 20 (UPI) -- The government of Morocco is seeking the refurbishment and enhancement of 200 M1A1 Abrams tanks provided as U.S. Excess Defense Articles.

The transfer of the U.S. tanks to Morocco was reported to Congress in April 2011.

Refurbishment and enhancement of the tanks to the Special Armor configuration -- plus associated parts, logistical support and training -- is worth about $1 billion, the U.S. Defense Security Cooperation Agency said.

Included in the package deal would be 150 AN/VRC-87E and 50 AN/VRC-89E exportable single-channel ground and airborne radio systems; 200 M2 Chrysler mount machine guns and 400 7.62MM M240 machine guns.

More than 12 million rounds of ammunition, 200 M250 smoke grenade launchers, support equipment, spare and repair parts would be included.

"This package of M1A1 tank enhancements will contribute to the modernization of Morocco's tank fleet, enhancing its ability to meet current and future threats," the agency said in its notification to Congress. "These tanks will contribute to Morocco's goal of updating its military capability while further enhancing interoperability with the U.S. and other allies."

The prime contractor would be General Dynamics Land Systems.

Source : http://www.upi.com

Morocco seeks tank upgrades

WASHINGTON, June 20 (UPI) -- The government of Morocco is seeking the refurbishment and enhancement of 200 M1A1 Abrams tanks provided as U.S. Excess Defense Articles.

The transfer of the U.S. tanks to Morocco was reported to Congress in April 2011.

Refurbishment and enhancement of the tanks to the Special Armor configuration -- plus associated parts, logistical support and training -- is worth about $1 billion, the U.S. Defense Security Cooperation Agency said.

Included in the package deal would be 150 AN/VRC-87E and 50 AN/VRC-89E exportable single-channel ground and airborne radio systems; 200 M2 Chrysler mount machine guns and 400 7.62MM M240 machine guns.

More than 12 million rounds of ammunition, 200 M250 smoke grenade launchers, support equipment, spare and repair parts would be included.

"This package of M1A1 tank enhancements will contribute to the modernization of Morocco's tank fleet, enhancing its ability to meet current and future threats," the agency said in its notification to Congress. "These tanks will contribute to Morocco's goal of updating its military capability while further enhancing interoperability with the U.S. and other allies."

The prime contractor would be General Dynamics Land Systems.

Source : http://www.upi.com