Morocco has ordered an undetermined quantity of long-range MGM-140 Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS) from the U.S. to improve its defence capabilities. According to the U.S. Department of Defence, Rabat, like the other four countries, would acquire launch systems as part of the arrangement. The African country was one of five countries covered by a new $227 million contract for supplying Lockheed Martin-made weaponry.
The order includes the Baltic states Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, and Poland. The contract, which involves the delivery of the ATACMS and associated launch systems, is projected to be completed by late 2028. According to Washington, in 2023, the Moroccan government requested 40 ATACMS and 18 M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) launchers to fire the missiles.
The ATACMS, which uses solid propellant, measures 4.0 m in length and 610 mm in diameter. The most advanced models can travel up to 300 km. These missiles can be launched from both the tracked Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS) and the wheeled High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS).
The initial request had an estimated value of $524.3 million. In recent years, the Royal Moroccan Armed Forces have purchased modern military drones and anti-tank missiles from Beijing. The country also features a military base housing a Chinese long-range air defence system. However, the clearance of the ATACMS sale to the North African nation is expected to strengthen its ties with the United States. Morocco is a significant importer of Chinese-made military systems.
