Morocco is buying new F-16C/D Block 50/52 aircraft similar to those delivered to Poland, and fitted with Helmet-Mounted Cueing Systems, APG-68(V)9 radars and conformal fuel tanks. (Polish Air Force photo)
Morocco - F-16C/D Block 50/52 Aircraft
(Source: US Defense Security Cooperation Agency; dated Dec. 18, web-posted Dec. 19, 2007)
(See note at bottom)
WASHINGTON --- The Defense Security Cooperation Agency notified Congress of a possible Foreign Military Sale to Morocco of F-16C/D Block 50/52 aircraft as well as associated equipment and services.
The total value, if all options are exercised, could be as high as $2.4 billion.
The Government of Morocco has requested a possible sale of Major Defense Equipment (MDE):
-- 24 F-16C/D Block 50/52 aircraft with either the F100-PW-229 or F110-GE-129 Increased Performance Engines (IPE) and APG-68(V)9 radars;
-- 5 F100-PW-229 or F110-GE-129 IPE spare engines;
-- 4 APG-68(V)9 spare radar sets;
-- 30 AN/ALE-47 Countermeasures Dispensing Systems (CMDS)
-- 30 AN/ALR-56M Radar Warning Receivers (RWR)
-- 60 LAU-129/A Launchers;
-- 30 LAU-117 Launchers;
-- 6 Joint Helmet Mounted Cueing Systems;
-- 4 AN/ARC-238 Single Channel Ground and Airborne Radio System (SINCGAR) radios with HAVE QUICK I/II;
-- 24 Conformal Fuel Tanks (pairs);
-- 4 Link-16 Multifunctional Information Distribution System-Low Volume Terminals;
-- 2 Link-16 Ground Stations;
-- 4 Global Positioning Systems (GPS) and Embedded GPS/ Inertial Navigation Systems (INS);
-- 12 AN/AAQ-33 SNIPER Targeting Pods or AN/AAQ-28 LITENING Targeting Pods
-- 5 Tactical Air Reconnaissance Systems (TARS) or DB-110 Reconnaissance Pods (RECCE);
-- 4 AN/APX-113 Advanced Identification Friend or Foe (AIFF) Systems;
-- 28 AN/ALQ-211 Advanced Integrated Defensive Electronic Warfare Suites (AIDEWS); or 28 AN/ALQ-187 Advanced Self-Protection Integrated Suites (ASPIS II); or 28 AN/ALQ-178 Self Protection Electronic Warfare Suites (SPEWS)
-- 1 Unit Level Trainer
-- Associated support equipment, software development/integration, tanker support, ferry services, CAD/PAD, repair and return, modification kits, spares and repair parts, publications and technical documentation, personnel training and training equipment, U.S. Government and contractor technical, engineering, and logistics support services, and other related elements of logistics support.
The estimated cost is $2.4 billion.
The proposed sale will contribute to the foreign policy and national security objectives of the United States by enhancing Morocco’s capacity to support U.S. efforts in the Global War on Terrorism (GWOT), as well as supporting Morocco’s legitimate need for its own self-defense. Morocco is one of the most stable and pro-Western of the Arab states, and the U.S. remains committed to a long-term relationship with Morocco. The proposed sale will allow the Moroccan Air Force to modernize its aging fighter inventory, thereby enabling Morocco to support both its own air defense needs and coalition operations.
Morocco is a Major Non-NATO ally. Delivery of this weapon system will greatly enhance Morocco’s interoperability with the U.S. and other NATO nations, making it a more valuable partner in an increasingly important area of the world. The country will have no difficulty absorbing this new capability into its armed forces.
The proposed sale of this weapon system will not affect the basic military balance in the region.
The principal contractors will be:
-- BAE Advanced Systems Greenlawn, New York
-- Boeing Corporation Seattle, Washington
-- Boeing Integrated Defense Systems St Louis, Missouri (three locations) Long Beach, California, and San Diego, California
-- Raytheon Company Lexington, Massachusetts (two locations) Goleta, California
-- Raytheon Missile Systems Tucson, Arizona
-- Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company Fort Worth, Texas
-- Lockheed Martin Missile and Fire Control Dallas, Texas
-- Northrop-Grumman Electro-Optical Systems Garland, Texas
-- Northrop-Grumman Electronic Systems Baltimore, Maryland
-- Pratt & Whitney United Technology Company East Hartford, Connecticut
-- General Electric Aircraft Engines Cincinnati, Ohio
-- Goodrich ISR Systems Danbury, Connecticut
-- L3 Communications Arlington, Texas
There are no known offset agreements in connection with this proposed sale.
Implementation of this proposed sale will require multiple trips to Morocco involving U.S. Government and contractor representatives for technical reviews/support, program management, and training over a period of 15 years.
There will be no adverse impact on U.S. defense readiness as a result of this proposed sale.
This notice of a potential sale is required by law; it does not mean that the sale has been concluded.
(EDITOR’S NOTE: Contrary to earlier reports, Morocco is buying new F-16s, and not surplus US Air Force aircraft. The price it is paying is broadly comparable to that offered by France for the Rafale, giving the lie to reports that Moroccan authorities were swayed by a cut-rate offer made by the United States.
France made two offers, one for 18 Rafales for 1.8 billion euros ($2.6 billion), and one for 2.2 billion euros ($3.2 billion) for 24 aircraft. The French offers included a full weapons suite (MICA air-to-air missiles and AASM laser-guided bombs) as well as an extensive ground environment, that Morocco will have to buy separately for the F-16s.
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