Morocco Bolsters Defense with US HIMARS Rocket System
In a significant move to strengthen its military capabilities, Morocco is set to acquire the formidable HIMARS (High Mobility Artillery Rocket System) from the United States, along with the advanced ATACMS (Army Tactical Missile System) missiles, according to defense news site, Defense Web.
This acquisition, part of a deal exceeding $750 million USD approved last year, underscores Morocco’s commitment to modernizing its morocco-celebrates-throne-day-in-malawi-with-high-profile-reception/” title=”Morocco's Throne Day Celebrated in Malawi with High-Profile Reception”>armed forces and solidifies the strong military partnership between the two nations. The deal also includes sophisticated JSOW (Joint Standoff Weapon) missiles, further enhancing Morocco’s offensive capabilities.
The HIMARS, produced by Lockheed Martin, is a highly mobile artillery system mounted on a truck chassis, offering rapid deployment and maneuverability. Its versatility lies in its ability to launch a variety of munitions, including the GMLRS (Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System) with a range of approximately 70 kilometers (43 miles) and the ATACMS, capable of striking targets up to 300 kilometers (186 miles) away.
This acquisition will make Morocco the first nation in North Africa to field the HIMARS, a system already employed by Jordan and the United Arab Emirates. The system has also proven highly effective in the hands of Ukrainian forces against Russian advances, showcasing its potency in modern warfare.
The Moroccan Royal Armed Forces’ decision to acquire the HIMARS reflects a growing global trend towards mobile, long-range precision strike capabilities. This system will significantly bolster Morocco’s ability to deter threats and safeguard its national interests.
Beyond the HIMARS, Morocco has been actively diversifying its defense arsenal. Six years ago, the nation acquired the Chinese-made WS-2D rocket launcher, boasting a range of around 400 kilometers (250 miles). Additionally, over a decade ago, Morocco procured 12 PHL-03 (AR-2) 300 rocket launchers, also of Chinese origin.
This latest acquisition of the HIMARS and ATACMS marks a significant leap forward in Morocco’s military modernization efforts, positioning the nation at the forefront of military technology in the region.
