# Morocco receives Boeing AH-64E Apache attack helicopters

- Link: https://www.military.africa/2025/03/morocco-receives-boeing-ah-64e-apache-attack-helicopters/
- Published: 2025-03-06T09:02:36+01:00
- Author: Darek Liam and Military Africa

The Royal Moroccan Air Force (RMAF) has officially received its first batch of AH-
64E Apache attack helicopters, marking a significant milestone in the country’s 
ongoing defense modernization efforts.

Morocco [placed an order](https://www.military.africa/2020/06/morocco-orders-24-boeing-ah-64e-apache-attack-helicopter/#google_vignette)
for 24 AH-64Es in June 2020 under a $440 million contract, following a request made
in late 2019. The agreement also includes an option to [acquire an additional 12 helicopters](https://www.military.africa/2019/11/morocco-all-set-to-buy-36-boeing-ah-64e-apache-attack-helicopter/)
from Boeing. The production of these helicopters were [started in November 2023](https://www.military.africa/2023/11/boeing-begins-building-moroccos-ah-64e-apache-guardian/).

The deal also includes 551 Hellfire air-to-surface missiles, 200 AIM-92H Stinger
air-to-air missiles, and 558 Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System precision-guided
rocket kits.

In 2021, the Royal Moroccan Air Force (RMAF) sent pilots and technicians for [training in flying and maintaining](https://www.military.africa/2021/01/us-training-for-moroccan-apache-pilots/)
the AH-64E Apaches. General Electric Aviation [will supply 48 T700-701D turboshaft engines](https://www.military.africa/2020/08/ge-aviation-nets-moroccos-apache-engines-deal/)
and spare parts for the new fleet. Additionally, Longbow Limited Liability Company,
a joint venture between Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman, [will provide AN/APG-78 Longbow radars.](https://www.military.africa/2020/09/lockheed-martin-and-northrop-grumman-jv-gets-moroccos-apache-radar-contract/)

Christina Upah, Vice President of attack helicopter programs at Boeing, highlighted
the importance of this delivery, emphasizing that the Apaches will strengthen Morocco’s
defense capabilities for years to come.

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“Boeing’s partnership with the Kingdom of Morocco spans decades, and I am proud 
the Apache is now part of this legacy,” Upah said in a statement to _Morocco World
News_. She described the AH-64E as “the world’s most advanced, proven attack helicopter.”

Boeing [commenced](https://www.military.africa/2025/01/boeing-begins-deliveries-of-apache-guardians-to-morocco/)
delivery of the Apaches in January 2025, three AH-64E helicopters made an unexpected
overnight stop at Midland/Odessa Air Terminal in Texas before continuing their journey
to Morocco. The serials of these helicopters are 2403, 2404, and an unknown one.

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A formal reception ceremony was held on Monday 3 March, 2025 at the 1st Air Base
in Salé to commemorate the arrival of the first batch of six AH-64E Apache helicopters.

![](https://www.military.africa/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/20250306_084821-1024x952.
jpg)

![](https://www.military.africa/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/20250306_083829-1024x576.
jpg)

![](https://www.military.africa/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/20250306_083820-1024x768.
jpg)

Equipped with a modernized target designation and tracking system, the AH-64E provides
enhanced target acquisition capabilities in day, night, and all-weather conditions.
The helicopter also features advanced night vision navigation, ensuring superior
situational awareness and combat effectiveness.

The Hellfire is a laser-guided, subsonic tactical missile used to target armored
vehicles, including tanks, bunkers, radar systems and antennas, communications equipment,
soft targets, and hovering helicopters. It has 12 variants, according to The Defense
Post. Originally designed for helicopters, it can now be launched from air, sea 
and ground platforms.

Boeing has delivered nearly 2,500 Apache helicopters to 16 nations to date, including
the U.S., Netherlands, Greece, United Kingdom, Japan, India, Singapore, South Korea
and Saudi Arabia. Deliveries to Morocco are expected to begin in 2024.

“This is another step forward in our long partnership with the Kingdom of Morocco,”
said Jeff Shockey, vice president, Global Sales and Marketing, Boeing Defense, Space&
Security and Government Services. “Worldwide demand for the Apache is growing and
we are proud to provide this best-in-class capability to Morocco.”

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Boeing is building the new Moroccan Apaches under a contract with the U.S. Army 
through the U.S. government’s Foreign Military Sales process. The AH-64E features
an improved modern target acquisition designation system that provides day, night
and all-weather target information, as well as night vision navigation capability.
In addition to classifying ground and air targets, the fire control radar has been
updated to operate in a maritime environment.

Apaches can travel at more than 150 knots (278 kilometers per hour), have a wingspan
of 14 meters, and a maximum operating weight of 10,433 kilograms.

The first batch of Moroccan Apaches underwent a series of tests and technical checks
to ensure the helicopters were fully operational before being put into service with
the Royal Air Force. The outlet also reported that 10 of the helicopters have been
built.

Morocco has been seeking new attack helicopters for some time. Morocco’s military
has no dedicated attack helicopter, instead relying on two dozen Gazelles, which
are flown by Army Aviation and the Royal Moroccan Air Force.

Rabat is keen to bolster its military capabilities amid rising regional tensions
and boosted its defense budget for 2025 to about $13 billion. The defense budget
was $12 billion in 2024 and $11.4 billion in 2023. The country is Africa’s second-
largest military spender behind Algeria, which has a 2025 defense budget of $25.1
billion.

The acquisition of the Apaches is part of Morocco’s broader equipment procurement
program, which also includes the latest [Lockheed Martin F-16 Block 70/72 Fighting Falcons.](https://www.military.africa/2020/08/lockheed-martin-nets-moroccos-f-16-contract/)
These new assets will replace older Mirage F1s and Northrop F-5E/F Tiger IIs and
augment the F-16C/Ds received from 2011.

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