Spanish Eurofighters Deploy Over Ceuta for Joint Air Defense Drills

Eurofighter Typhoon (C.16) jets from the Spanish Air Force’s 11th Wing will conduct tactical overflights over Ceuta on Wednesday, April 22nd, between 08:00 and 14:00 hours, according to El Faro de Ceuta. These joint exercises with the Spanish Army's 30th Mixed Artillery Regiment (RAMIX-30) are designed to train ground crews on anti-aircraft systems, including Oerlikon 35/90 guns and MISTRAL missiles.

The drills are part of the Annual Readiness Program of the Ceuta General Command (COMGECEU). The primary objective is to sharpen the tracking and engagement capabilities of the 30th Mixed Artillery Regiment (RAMIX-30), specifically its Anti-Aircraft Artillery Group (GAAA II/30).

During the exercise, ground crews utilized advanced defensive systems, including:

• Oerlikon 35/90 GDF anti-aircraft guns.
• MISTRAL high-mobility MANPADS.
• Skydor Fire Control Systems integrated with 3D Radar units.

While the Command emphasized that "no live fire" would take place, the exercise carries significant weight. Beyond technical training, the presence of the Eurofighters—Spain’s premier air superiority fighters—serves as a clear demonstration of the Spanish Armed Forces' expeditionary capacity and its commitment to defending national sovereignty in North Africa.

The maneuvers come at a time of heightened regional sensitivity. Ceuta and Melilla, Spanish territories located on the North African coast, remain a point of diplomatic friction as Morocco continues to voice long-standing territorial claims. 

Mirage 2000 Transfer to Morocco Delayed as Regional Tensions Rise

 

The planned transfer of 30 Mirage 2000-9 fighter jets from the United Arab Emirates to Morocco is facing delays, as the ongoing crisis involving Iran reshapes military priorities across the Gulf.

Originally approved in 2024 with French authorization, the deal is now effectively on hold. The reason is straightforward: the UAE is unwilling to reduce its frontline combat fleet while facing sustained missile and drone threats from Iran.

Since late February 2026, Emirati air defenses have been under intense pressure. Hundreds of ballistic missiles, cruise missiles and drones have been launched toward the UAE, with air and missile defence systems—supported by fighter aircraft—intercepting the vast majority of them. 

Crucially, the Mirage 2000-9 has played an active operational role in this environment. Alongside F-16 Block 60 fighters, these aircraft have been used to intercept Iranian drones and potentially contribute to the wider air defence network, highlighting their continued relevance in high-intensity conflict. 

At the same time, more controversial reports have emerged. Iranian sources have accused UAE-operated Mirage 2000-9 jets of conducting a strike against infrastructure on Lavan Island. However, no independent confirmation exists, and the claims remain unverified, illustrating the fog of war now surrounding the Gulf theatre. 

This dual reality—proven defensive utility and contested offensive involvement—underscores why Abu Dhabi is reluctant to release these aircraft.

For Morocco, the delay comes at a sensitive time. Rabat had expected the Mirage 2000-9 to provide a significant qualitative boost, particularly in beyond-visual-range combat and precision strike capabilities. The aircraft, one of the most advanced Mirage variants ever built, would have complemented Morocco’s existing F-16 fleet.

However, the regional balance is shifting rapidly.

Algeria, Morocco’s main strategic rival, is moving ahead with the acquisition of the Russian Su-57E, positioning itself to become the first operator of a fifth-generation fighter in Africa. Even in limited numbers, the introduction of a stealth aircraft with advanced sensors and long-range weapons would represent a major leap in capability.

In this context, the delayed arrival of the Emirati Mirages creates a growing capability gap for Morocco, particularly as its own F-16 Block 70 deliveries continue to face scheduling uncertainty.

Ultimately, the Mirage transfer remains viable—but increasingly dependent on external factors. The pace of Rafale deliveries to the UAE, the evolution of the conflict with Iran, and the broader strategic competition in North Africa will all shape whether and when these aircraft finally reach Moroccan service.

🇲🇦 Morocco & 🇵🇰 Pakistan in JF-17 Talks ?

Recent defence cooperation developments between Morocco and Pakistan have reignited speculation over a possible Moroccan acquisition of the JF-17 Thunder multirole fighter. While no contract has been signed, multiple defence media outlets and analyst sources now confirm that Rabat is actively exploring the option, marking a potentially significant shift in Moroccan airpower planning.

Rather than signaling a departure from Morocco’s close alignment with Western defence suppliers, this move appears driven by pragmatic operational and strategic considerations.

In January 2026, Morocco and Pakistan formalised a bilateral defence cooperation agreement covering military training, intelligence cooperation, defence industrial collaboration, and joint exercises.

Shortly after the signing, specialist defence journalists and regional analysts reported that combat aircraft discussions formed part of this broader framework, with the JF-17 Block III emerging as the primary focus.

While official statements remain limited, reporting from regional defence correspondents, Pakistani defence sources, and specialist aviation media indicates that Morocco is now among a group of countries engaged in advanced exploratory talks with Pakistan regarding the JF-17 platform.

At this stage, no numbers, timelines, or contractual commitments have been disclosed.

Why Would Morocco Consider the JF-17?

At first glance, Moroccan interest in a Chinese-Pakistani fighter appears counterintuitive. The Royal Moroccan Air Force (RMAF) is heavily invested in Western platforms, particularly F-16C/D Fighting Falcons, F-16 Block 70/72 modernization and NATO-aligned doctrine and interoperability

However, a deeper look suggests a rational strategic logic behind exploring the JF-17.

1. Fleet Mass and Cost Efficiency

The JF-17 offers modern multirole capability at significantly lower acquisition and operating costs than Western fighters. This enables:

• Larger squadron numbers
• Greater sortie generation capacity
• Lower operational strain on high-end platforms

In modern air warfare, fleet size and sustainability increasingly matter as much as individual aircraft performance.

2. Layered Airpower Structure

Rather than replacing F-16s, the JF-17 could serve as:

• A light multirole fighter
• An advanced training platform
• A secondary strike and air policing asset

This layered approach would allow Morocco to preserve F-16 flight hours for high-end missions, while maintaining broad territorial coverage and readiness.

3. Strategic Diversification

Like many mid-sized powers, Morocco is seeking greater autonomy in defence procurement. Introducing a non-Western combat platform:

• Reduces vulnerability to political export restrictions
• Increases diplomatic leverage
• Strengthens strategic independence

This does not represent a geopolitical shift, but rather risk diversification within procurement strategy.

Why the JF-17 Block III?

The Block III variant significantly enhances the aircraft’s appeal, featuring:

• AESA radar
• Modern electronic warfare systems
• Helmet-mounted targeting
• Advanced datalink and sensor fusion
• BVR missile capability

This positions the JF-17 Block III as a credible light multirole fighter, capable of air policing, strike missions, and limited air superiority roles.

Operational and Political Challenges

Despite its advantages, a Moroccan JF-17 acquisition would introduce notable complexities.

• Logistical Integration
• New maintenance ecosystems
• Different supply chains
• Parallel training systems

This would increase operational complexity for a force currently optimized around Western platforms.

Interoperability Constraints

Operating Chinese-Pakistani avionics alongside NATO systems introduces data integration and interoperability challenges, particularly during joint exercises and multinational operations.

Strategic Perception

A JF-17 deal would likely attract attention from Western partners, particularly the United States and France, although Morocco’s consistent procurement of US systems suggests no fundamental shift in strategic alignment.

Likely Scale and Scope

If pursued, a Moroccan JF-17 acquisition would most likely involve:

• Limited numbers
• Secondary mission roles
• Training and fleet expansion purposes

This would mirror procurement strategies adopted by other air forces balancing cost, capability, and political autonomy.

Morocco’s exploration of the JF-17 reflects pragmatic force planning rather than geopolitical realignment.

The move aligns with:

• Expanding fleet mass
• Budget efficiency
• Strategic diversification

Rather than replacing Western combat aircraft, the JF-17 would complement existing F-16 capability, allowing the Royal Moroccan Air Force to preserve its high-end assets while expanding overall operational capacity.

If formalized, this deal would represent a subtle but significant evolution in Moroccan airpower doctrine, emphasizing sustainability, flexibility, and strategic autonomy.

Morocco Secures Major F-16 Radar Support Contract, Strengthening Defence Ties with the United States

Morocco has taken another significant step in consolidating its position as one of Africa’s most capable air forces, following its inclusion in a major U.S. Foreign Military Sales (FMS) radar support contract for the F-16 Fighting Falcon. The agreement, valued at approximately $304 million, covers long-term radar maintenance, repair, and sustainment services and will run through 2030.

The contract, awarded to Northrop Grumman, supports multiple international F-16 operators, but Morocco stands out as the only African country included, highlighting the growing strategic importance of the Royal Moroccan Air Force (RMAF) within the broader F-16 global ecosystem.

Morocco operates one of the most advanced F-16 fleets on the African continent. Its aircraft are undergoing upgrades aligned with the F-16 Block 70/72 “Viper” standard, including modern mission computers, improved avionics, and advanced radar systems.

The newly awarded support contract focuses specifically on radar sustainment, a critical component for maintaining combat effectiveness in modern air operations. Reliable radar performance underpins:

• Beyond-visual-range (BVR) combat
• Air sovereignty missions
• Integrated air defence operations

By securing long-term radar support, Morocco ensures that its F-16s remain fully operational and technologically relevant well into the next decade.

While radar sustainment may appear less visible than aircraft or missile acquisitions, it is arguably just as important. Modern air forces increasingly depend on availability rates, readiness, and lifecycle management, not simply platform numbers.

This agreement provides Morocco with:

• Guaranteed access to U.S. technical expertise
• Predictable sustainment costs
• Improved fleet readiness
• Closer integration with U.S. and allied air forces

It also reflects Washington’s confidence in Morocco as a stable and reliable defence partner in North Africa.

The radar support contract complements several parallel developments in Moroccan military aviation:

• Ongoing F-16 fleet upgrades
• Approved acquisition of AIM-120C-8 AMRAAM air-to-air missiles
• Expansion of unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) capabilities
• Investment in domestic maintenance infrastructure, including new heavy MRO facilities for F-16s and C-130s

Taken together, these efforts demonstrate a coherent strategy focused not only on acquiring advanced systems, but on ensuring their long-term operational sustainability.

Morocco’s inclusion in this contract sends a clear message: the RMAF is no longer a peripheral operator, but a fully integrated member of the global F-16 community. In a region marked by increasing competition in air power capabilities, sustained readiness and modern sensors are decisive factors.

Rather than pursuing headline-grabbing acquisitions alone, Morocco is investing in the less visible—but essential—foundation of air combat power: maintenance, support, and operational reliability.

This radar support contract may not involve new aircraft deliveries, but it plays a crucial role in ensuring that Morocco’s F-16s remain combat-ready, interoperable, and credible for years to come.

Morocco Upgrades F‑16 Fleet with AIM‑120C‑8 Missiles from the United States

Morocco has just taken a significant step in modernizing its air combat capabilities. According to recent reports, the Royal Moroccan Air Force will acquire 30 AIM‑120C‑8 AMRAAM medium-range air-to-air missiles from the United States, along with guidance sections, technical support, and logistics. These missiles will equip Morocco’s F‑16 Block 72 fighters, substantially enhancing their ability to intercept and engage aerial threats in challenging conditions.

The AIM‑120C‑8 is among the most advanced versions of the AMRAAM family, featuring improved guidance, resistance to electronic countermeasures, and all-weather operational capability. Its integration will strengthen Morocco’s air defence posture, complementing the country’s existing F‑16 fleet and ongoing military cooperation with the United States.

The U.S. frames this sale as part of support for a major non-NATO ally, reinforcing Morocco’s national security while contributing to regional stability in North Africa. This acquisition follows other recent U.S. defense approvals to Morocco, such as FIM‑92K Stinger air-defense missiles, highlighting an expanding military partnership between Rabat and Washington.

With these upgrades, Morocco positions its F‑16s as a more formidable regional deterrent, capable of handling both conventional and asymmetric aerial threats in the coming decade

"Leading Company Proposes an Intelligence and Electronic Warfare Aircraft to Spain to Fill Critical Capability Gap"

INDRA, a Spanish company specializing in defense technology, unveiled a significant project at the November 2023 International Fighter Conference in Madrid. During the event, they presented a detailed video showcasing the capabilities of a modified Bombardier Global 6000 aircraft.

The video prominently displays a Bombardier Global 6000 transformed into a SIGINT (Signal Intelligence) aircraft with the livery of the Spanish Air Force, explicitly showcasing the aircraft in the colors and with the titles 'Ejército del Aire y del Espacio' (Spanish Air Force).

The aircraft exhibits Integrated Airborne Signal Intelligence Solution and Air SIGINT systems developed by INDRA. Highlighted aspects and functions in the video include the capacity for monitoring the entire spectrum, real-time depiction and information management, data analysis, data fusion, collaborative functions, and air command and control.

This project bears similarity to the one undertaken by the German Luftwaffe involving three Global 6000 business jets set to become the Luftwaffe's new fleet of Pegasus SIGINT aircraft. These jets are currently undergoing extensive modification in Wichita, Kansas, with an expected service entry in 2026 and final deliveries in 2028.

The introduction of this system developed by the Spanish company is expected to fill a capability gap within the Spanish Air Force, which currently lacks dedicated intelligence aircraft. In 2015, the Spanish Air Force decommissioned the Boeing 707 351C Electronic Warfare aircraft, nicknamed 'The Spectrum Queen,' previously assigned to the 47 Mixed Group at Torrejón Air Base.

The Boeing 707 had the capability to intercept, monitor, and record communications or signals across the electromagnetic spectrum. It could detect and listen to enemy unit communications, map radars up to 500 kilometers away, and even video-record a target from a distance of 100 kilometers.

Since the retirement of the Boeing 707, the Spanish Air Force has tested at least one prototype intended as a replacement. This prototype, a Gulfstream G500 SEMA equipped with electronic surveillance technology, proved unsatisfactory and was discarded as a substitute for the B-707. Israel, a country that collaborated with Spain in the Boeing 707's service entry, possesses two similar aircraft modified by Israel Aerospace Industries.

Following these developments, INTEL SIGINT missions continued using a C-212 Aviocar and a Falcon 20 for electronic warfare, albeit with significantly reduced capabilities compared to the Boeing 707. However, these aircraft have also been retired.

Budgetary constraints have hindered the acquisition of a new SIGINT platform since then, exacerbated by strong public spending restrictions imposed by the European Union on Spain since 2012.

Given the critical nature of such missions for gaining an advantage in potential conflicts, Spain's neighbor, Morocco, has planned the acquisition of four G550 AEW aircraft for surveillance, warfare, and electronic intelligence missions. These aircraft will be equipped in Israel by IAI and are already in service in Australia, Israel, Italy, and Singapore.

Moreover, Spain recently retired its last operational Lockheed P-3M Orion maritime patrol aircraft in December 2022, leaving a gap in the Spanish Air Force's capability for maritime patrols and long-range search and rescue (SAR) missions.

To address this gap, Airbus will supply 16 C295W aircraft. Six of these will serve in maritime patrol (MPA) roles, while the remaining 10 will conduct maritime surveillance (MSA) missions. These aircraft will feature the latest Fully Integrated Tactical System (FITS) and mission-specific systems enabling anti-submarine warfare operations. Additionally, it appears these aircraft will be equipped with a magnetic anomaly detection (MAD) system.

AH-64E Apache Production Begins for Morocco

Boeing has initiated the production of the inaugural Apache AH-64E helicopter, marking the commencement of a 24-unit order designated for the Royal Moroccan Air Forces (FAR).

This significant development stems from a 2020 equipment agreement between the United States and Morocco, elevating the North African nation to the esteemed status of the 17th country deploying this cutting-edge combat helicopter.

Plans are currently underway at the Khouribga military base to facilitate the integration of Apache squadrons, scheduled to commence operations from late 2024 into early 2025. The anticipation is extended due to the sophisticated nature of these helicopters, accentuated by their advanced systems. Boeing highlights their prowess in "communications, navigation, sensors, and weapons systems," alongside an enhanced and modernized target designation structure providing comprehensive day, night, and all-weather targeting information, as well as night-vision navigation capabilities.

Described for its combat prowess and equipped with state-of-the-art military technologies, the Apache is known for its exemplary performance in the field.

Boeing emphasizes that the helicopter boasts an open systems architecture that encompasses the latest in communications, navigation, sensor, and weapon systems, signifying a substantial leap forward for both the Moroccan military and the burgeoning partnership between the Alawites and their increasingly integrated US counterparts.

This development signifies a pivotal advancement for the Royal Moroccan Air Force (FAR), particularly in a time of heightened regional instability. The ongoing tension with Algeria and the persistent attacks by the Polisario Front serve as a reminder to the Kingdom, which navigates through a tumultuous period while endeavoring to preserve its regional leadership—a position that the Algerians seek to challenge, without success at the moment.

Israel to Provide $1.2B Air Defense Systems to Unnamed Partner, Sparking Rumors on Morocco's Military Arms Race Against Countries in the Region

The Israeli Defense Ministry has secured a $1.2 billion deal to provide air defense systems to an undisclosed country as announced by IAI, the primary contractor for the transaction, on Thursday. Despite inquiries from Defense News, both the ministry and Israel Aerospace Industries declined to reveal the specific system and the identity of the customer involved in the agreement. However, the company emphasized that it is an "air defense system with advanced technological capabilities, which has been operationally proven."

Speculation in Israeli media points to the Barak air defense systems as a likely candidate. The Barak MR variant boasts a range of 35 kilometers (22 miles), while the Barak ER can reach up to 150 kilometers (93 miles). Designed to intercept aircraft, medium-range ballistic missiles, and cruise missiles, Barak missiles have already found customers in Morocco, Colombia, and India, with the latter participating in the development phase of the Barak 8 variant.

According to Pentagon documents leaked earlier this year, Morocco has reportedly acquired a shipment of the Israeli Barak MX defense system. The delivery process commenced in mid-2023, as reported by FAR Maroc, a forum dedicated to covering the activities of the Moroccan army. If the Barak ER deal is confirmed, Morocco stands to gain the capability to intercept missiles, aircraft, and UAVs within a range of 35 kilometers. Additionally, with the potential Barak ER deal, this interception range could extend up to 150 kilometers.

Morocco has previously sought and received Israeli assistance in various defense domains. In 2021, the country procured Israel's Skylock Dome anti-drone system, specifically designed to identify and counter unmanned aerial threats. Furthermore, Morocco has added to its arsenal by acquiring IAI Bluebird and Heron drones.

Israel Aerospace Industries also offers a range of other air and missile defense systems, including Arrow 2, Arrow 3, Sky Capture, and Eagle Eye III VSHORAD. This recent contract marks one of the largest deals in IAI's history and the third-largest for an Israeli air defense system. It follows the $3.5 billion sale of the Arrow 3 to Germany in August and the $1.8 billion Barak 8 sale to India.

MOROCCO WILL RECEIVE UP TO 68 ADVANCED MIRAGE 2000-9 FROM UAE AMID TENSIONES WITH SPAIN AND ALGERIA FOR SPANISH WESTERN SAHARA AND SPANISH TERRITORIES IN NORTH AFRICA

The UAE will transfers its fleet of 68 Mirage 2000-9 fighter jets to Morocco, after purchasing 80 Rafale fighter jets from France. The Mirage 2000-9 fleet which currently equips the United Arab Emirates air force will be transferred to Morocco. 

In 2017, the Emirates signed a contract with Dassault Aviation to modernize around sixty Mirage 2000s. The UAE signed an agreement to acquire 80 Rafale, the largest obtained internationally for the fighter to be delivered from 2027. In this way, Morocco, after signing military agreements with the US and with Israel will now benefit from the weaponry that the UAE withdraws from its military. In this way, UAE will transfer up to his fleet of 68 Mirage 2000-9 fighters to Morocco. “The United Arab Emirates will deliver a series of Mirage 2000 Dash 9 fighters to Morocco, in the framework of friendship and military cooperation between the two sister countries” 

Mirage 2000 Dash 9 fighters are the most powerful version of the Mirage aircraft. Also, it is a special version only for the United Arab Emirates. It is still very powerful, and it has very advanced military technology, with a multimodal RDY-2 radar, a digital terrain tracking camera, an IMEWS countermeasures system with a Thomrad secure radio system with advanced cryptography and frequency hopping, LCD display screens and a digital recording system for four simultaneous displays, night vision goggles ( NVG) and an inertial gyroscope of the laser navigation system. This version of Mirage allows the simultaneous use of MICA IR and EM BVR anti-aircraft missiles, which is capable of attacking at distances of 20 nautical miles (37 kilometers). It is equipped with a type II core system architecture, like a next-generation aircraft. A whole tactical electronic warfare system through the adoption of interferometry technology. 

Military cooperation between the two countries is governed by a 2006 agreement with mixed military meetings held alternately in Rabat and Abu Dhabi. In the first quarter of this year, an Emirati military delegation headed by the Major General and the Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces Emiratis met with the heads of the Moroccan Armed Forces and the Royal Air Force in Rabat. For its part, a high-level delegation from the General Staff of the Royal Armed Forces and the Moroccan Defense Administration participated in the two Defense exhibitions this year in Emirates, They also allow participating countries to close contracts with large international companies specialized in Defense. Behind this transfer of arms there is a political background of mutual support. It must be taken into account that the United Arab Emirates leans towards Morocco in reference to the conflict it maintains with the Polisario Front, and in its intention to implement an autonomy plan that annexes Western Sahara as the southern provinces. In 2020, the United Arab Emirates was the first Arab country to open a consulate in Laayoune, the capital of Western Sahara. Action thanked King Mohamed VI, which he considered political in nature and not only merely consular, with hardly any Emirati citizens in the non-autonomous territory. Although it always made it a condition that Morocco reestablish relations with Israel, as it finally did a month later, in December 2020. Morocco has been working on rearmament since breaking diplomatic relations with Algeria and tensions with Spain. Tension in North Africa in the wake of the rift between the threeo countries has escalated significantly in the last three months. 

Authority over Western Sahara was the main trigger for ties that were key, especially gas supplies for countries such as Spain. The arms race between Rabat and Algiers is now experiencing a new chapter with the dispatch of a military fleet by the United Arab Emirates to the Alawi kingdom. new.in-24.com militarywatchmagazine moroccolatestnews El Español

Moroccan Harpoon Block II missiles to be ‘non-coastal’ versions

The Boeing AGM-84L Harpoon Block II missiles that the United States has approved for the Royal Moroccan Air Force (RMAF) are the “non-coastal target suppression” version, according to an arms sale notification published by the US Federal Register on 27 April.
This reduction in capability was not mentioned when the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) announced on 14 April that the US State Department had approved the sale of 10 AGM-84Ls for an estimated USD62 million for use by the RMAF’s F-16 multirole fighters.
The AGM-84L was designed to have a substantially improved ability to find target ships sailing close to shore or in congested waters.
janes

MOROCCO CLEARED TO BUY AGM-84L ANTI SHIP MISSILES FOR ITS F-16s

Morocco has been cleared to buy 10 AGM-84L 'HARPOON' anti-ship missiles in a Foreign Military Sale package worth $62 million.
The Defense Security Cooperation Agency said in Transmittal No: 20-10 that Morocco intends to use those missiles from its F-16s.
dsca

Morocco will acquire AH-64 Apache helicopters within the next two years.

Morocco will acquire AH-64 Apache military helicopters from the US within the next two years. How many helicopters Morocco will receive is unknown.
The deal to purchase the Apache helicopters has been underway since April last year, but the timeframe of delivery has only just been revealed
Morocco has a pressing need for new sophisticated attack helicopters.
The Moroccan government considered two helicopter models, the US made AH-64 Apache, and the Turkish made T-129 ATAK helicopter, finally settling for the US model mid last year.
Last week, the U.S. State Department cleared a potential foreign military sale of 24 AH-64 Apache attack helicopters to Qatar, in a deal that could be worth up to $3 billion.
Morocco will be the second African country to own the helicopter, after Egypt, which bought a fleet in 1995.
moroccoworldnews

Morocco To Buy 25 F-16C/D Block 72, and upgrading existing fleet

The U.S. State Department has cleared Morocco for a major increase to its F-16 fleet, including both sales of new planes and upgrades to older models.
The two potential deals cover the purchase of 25 F-16C/D Block 72 fighters, estimated at $3.787 billion, as well as upgrades to the country’s existing 23 F‑16s to the more advanced F‑16V Block 52+ configuration, estimated at $985.2 million. Combined, the two sales could net American contractors roughly $4.8 billion.
The new F-16 request represents the single largest notification of fiscal 2019. It is also the second largest purchase requested by Morocco, which in November requested new Abrams tanks.
In addition to the 25 new jets, the larger package includes 29 Pratt & Whitney F100-229 engines; 26 APG-83 active electronically scanned array radars; 26 modular mission computers; 26 Link 16 systems; 40 Joint Helmet Mounted Cueing Systems; 30 M61 Al Vulcan 20mm guns; 40 AIM-120C-7 Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missiles; 50 GBU-49 bombs; 60 GBU-39/B Small Diameter Bombs; and assorted other equipment.
The upgrade package includes much of the same equipment, with similar quantities of AESA radars, Link 16 systems and weapons. The configuration improves the radars and avionics on the older jets.
defensenews

Morocco dedicates some of its F-16 to antiship missions, said to have bought 6 AGM-84s missiles

The Moroccan army has received 6 US anti-ship missiles AGM / RGM / UGM-84 Harpoon in 2017, according to the United Nations Register of Conventional Weapons UNROCA.
The Royal Moroccan Navy does not have launching platforms for this kind of missiles on its ships and has no land to sea vectors at all. All indications are that these six missiles will be used with the RMAF F16C for anti-ship missions.
The only ship theoretically capable of shooting Harpoons is the Descubierta corvette but which has not been delivered to Morocco with this capability. In addition Corvette Colonel Errahmani serves today as school boat for the Royal Fleet. The ship has recently been disarmed and only keeps her guns.
The F16 is currently the only vector that can carry this type of missile, each aircraft has the ability to take two missiles under its wings on the hard points 3 and 7.
menadefense

Morocco takes delivery of three Chinooks

The Boeing CH-47 Chinook heavy lift helicopter is set to re-enter service with the Royal Moroccan Air Force (RMAF) after three were delivered to the kingdom on 15 August.
The CH-47D Chinooks were spotted being unloaded in Tangier on 15 August.
Columbia Helicopters, in the USA, have refurbished the three ex-US Army CH-47D helicopters.
janes

Moroccan F-16 jet from Saudi-led coalition in Yemen goes missing

A Moroccan F-16 warplane taking part in the Saudi Arabian-led coalition fighting in Yemen went missing on Sunday, the Moroccan Royal Armed Forces said in a statement.
The pilot of a second jet in the same squadron could not see if the pilot had ejected from the jet, which was hit at 6 p.m. local time.
An investigation is under way.
trust

Operation Decisive Storm-Air Power Over Yemen

After Houthi rebels toppled the Yemeni government causing president Abd Rabbuh Mansur Hadi to flee to Aden earlier this month, a Saudi-led coalition of Middle Eastern states launched an air campaign to intervene.
Operation Decisive Storm began on March 26 and has resulted in one of the most extraordinary gatherings of air power seen in recent years, with air arms from the Gulf Cooperation Council nations, except Oman, joined by aircraft from Morocco, Egypt and Sudan, as well as Jordan.
The numbers of aircraft involved are quite extraordinary but perhaps illustrate the concern that Saudi Arabia and its neighbors have for the spread of the Houthi insurgency in the south of the Arabia peninsula.
Saudi Arabia is supporting the operation with 100 aircraft that are likely to include fighters and support aircraft.
Bahrain has deployed between eight and 12 of its F-16s, Qatar has sent 10 of its 12 Mirage 2000s. The United Arab Emirates has deployed 30 aircraft, while Morocco and Jordan have each deployed six F-16s. Jordan’s participation is particularly noteworthy given its heavy involvement in operations against the Islamic State insurgency in Iraq and Syria. Reports state that Kuwait has sent 15 F/A-18 Hornets.
Egypt’s aerial contribution is unclear, but its neighbor Sudan is perhaps the most surprising of the participants, bringing a trio of Sukhoi Su-24 Fencers.
How big a role the Su-24s will play remains to be determined, particularly as the aircraft are not compatible with Western weapons stockpiled at Saudi air bases, forcing the Sudanese to transport bombs and missiles to Saudi Arabia where the aircraft have been forward-based for the campaign.
Pakistan says it is examining a request from Riyadh to join the coalition.
aviationweek

Saudi Arabia Launches Air Campaign in Yemen

Saudi Arabia waged early Thursday “Operation Decisive Storm” against the Houthi coup in Yemen and in support of legitimate President.
A Saudi air campaign was launched overnight which has already resulted in the elimination of several Houthi leaders.
Yemen air space is currently under full control of the Saudi Royal Air Force.
As the operation continues, a coalition of all GCC countries, barring Oman, is taking part in the campaign, including Sudan, Egypt, Morocco, Jordan and Pakistan.
Saudi Arabia has deployed 100 fighter jets, 150,000 soldiers and other navy units.
The White House has voiced support for the campaign against the Houthis. Saudi Arabia’s Ambassador to Washington Adel al-Jubeir announced the kingdom had launched a military operation involving air strikes in Yemen against Houthi fighters who have tightened their grip on the southern city of Aden where Hadi had taken refuge.
alarabiya

Morocco to acquire surplus French Harfangs UAV

The Royal Moroccan Air Force is evaluating the purchase of additional Israel Aerospace Industries Heron 1/Harfang unmanned air systems via France.
A version of the medium-altitude, long-endurance Heron adapted for the French air force, the Harfang is used to perform strategic reconnaissance and tracking missions.
According to foreign sources a Moroccan purchase of three Harfang UAS has been made, with Israeli approval, and additional aircraft could follow. The ties between Morocco and Israel are good, despite the fact that diplomatic relations between the nations were cut in 2000.
It is not clear what payloads will be carried by the UAS Morocco has purchased, but these are likely to be Israeli-produced.
The French air force recently fielded its first two of a planned 12 General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Reaper UAVs, with the aircraft now supporting its military intervention in Mali.
flightglobal

Moroccan Air Force receives fifth Bombardier 415

The Royal Moroccan Air Force (RMAF) received its fifth and final Bombardier 415 firefighting aircraft from Canada earlier this month.
The aircraft was seen transiting the United Kingdom on August 31 from Iceland, on its way to Morocco, where it joined another four delivered over the last two years.
Morocco received a single Bombardier 415 in February 2011. Another four were ordered in March that year. Deliveries took place in May, 2011, February 2013 and May 2013.
The aircraft will operated in the fire-fighting role alongside the Gendarmerie Royale’s (State Police) fleet of firefighting aircraft, which include helicopters, ten Ayres S2R-T-34 Turbo Thrush crop sprayers and one Socata Rallye MS 893.
The RMAF also flies a Lockheed Martin C-130 Hercules equipped with the Modular Airborne FireFighting System (MAFFS) in the firefighting role.
defenceweb