Morocco Receives First AH-64E Apache Helicopters

The Royal Moroccan Air Force has received the first six AH-64E Apache attack helicopters from the United States, marking the beginning of deliveries under a 24-unit agreement signed in June 2020.

According to local media, the helicopters arrived at the 7th Air Base in Khouribga. While the first deliveries were expected in 2024, they faced delays. The remaining helicopters are scheduled to arrive gradually until mid-2026.

The AH-64E Apache Guardian helicopters delivered to Morocco are the Version 6 model. These helicopters feature an upgraded Longbow fire-control radar with a detection range extended from 8 to 16 km. They also include a maritime engagement mode, allowing operations against surface vessels.

Morocco has acquired 18 Longbow radars for its Apache fleet—fewer than the total number of helicopters. This reduction aligns with common practice due to the high cost of the radar systems.

The delivery is part of Morocco’s broader strategy to modernize its military capabilities. Recent acquisitions include the Israeli Barak-8 air defense system, 36 Caesar and 36 Atmos 2000 self-propelled howitzers, 18 HIMARS launchers, ATACMS missiles, and 200 Turkish Cobra II armored vehicles.

Additionally, Morocco signed a deal with India’s TATA Group to jointly produce 150 WhAP infantry fighting vehicles. The Kingdom has also partnered with Turkey’s Baykar to establish Atlas Defense, a company specializing in designing, manufacturing, and maintaining unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and aviation equipment.