Moroccan F-16 Jets to get Harpoon Block II Air Launched missiles

The US State Department has approved a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Morocco of 10 AGM-84L Harpoon Block II Air Launched missiles and related equipment for an estimated cost of $62 million.

Morocco intends to use the missiles on its F-16, multi-role fighter aircraft to enhance its capabilities in effective defense of critical sea-lanes. The Harpoon Block II missiles are intended for air-to-sea role, capable of precision-attack against hostile ships.

The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale today.

Also included are containers, spare and repair parts, support and test equipment, publications and technical documentation, personnel training and training equipment, U.S. Government and contractor representatives' technical assistance, engineering and logistics support services, and other related elements of logistics support. The total estimated cost is $62 million.

The prime contractor will be The Boeing Company, St. Louis, Missouri. The purchaser typically requests offsets. Any offset agreement will be defined in negotiations between the purchaser and the contractor(s).

Implementation of this proposed sale will require annual trips to Morocco involving U.S. Government and contractor representatives for approximately five years.

Editorial comment: The US has been ramping allies’ capabilities in the light of increasing hostilities involving Iran. Iranian Navy and Coast Guard has been making hostile maneuvers against western-aligned commercial shipping transiting the straits of Hormuz and the Persian Gulf (also called Arabian Gulf).