The U.S. State Department has approved a possible $3.787 billion sale to Morocco of 25 F-16C/D Block 72 fighter aircraft, the Defense Security Cooperation Agency said on Monday.
The U.S. Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) said in a 25 March statement that Government of Morocco requested to buy 25 Lockheed Martin F-16C/Ds Block 72 fighter aircraft equipped with the Pratt & Whitney F100-229 engines and the APG-83 Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar.
Morocco also requested AN/AAQ-33 Sniper Pods, AN/ALQ-211/-213 EW Management Systems, DB-110 Advanced Reconnaissance Systems, AIM-120C-7 Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missiles, spares parts and other support equipment.
“This proposed sale will contribute to the foreign policy and national security of the United States by helping to improve the security of a major Non-NATO ally that continues to be an important force for political stability and economic progress in North Africa,” the DSCA said in a statement.
Morocco already operates an F‑16 fleet and will have no difficulty absorbing this aircraft and services into its armed forces.
Also to buy new aircraft, Morocco requested upgrade its existing 23 F‑16 aircraft to the F‑16V configuration and related equipment for an estimated cost of $985.2 million.
The upgraded aircraft will be brought up to the same standard as the newly purchased aircraft, and this FMS contract will also bring additional systems and weapons, like mentioned in this news report.
