Morocco's Military Aviation Strategy Takes New Direction
In a significant shift concerning its military aviation capabilities, Morocco has decided to forgo the planned modernization of its 23 F-16 aircraft to the advanced Viper configuration, as previously approved by Washington in 2019. This change, revealed by sources from the Royal Air Forces during the Marrakech Airshow, indicates that the focus will now primarily be on essential safety upgrades rather than a comprehensive overhaul to the F-16V standard. The decision marks a notable departure from Morocco's initial commitment to enhance its air fleet in response to evolving defense needs.
As reported by EDR Magazine, the Moroccan military had previously sought significant advancements, with a budget of approximately $985.2 million allocated for this modernization effort. This program included the installation of new AN/APG-83 AESA radars, upgraded avionics, and other enhancements designed to bridge the capabilities of older F-16s with the newer models ordered by Morocco. However, recent communications from the Royal Air Forces indicate that these extensive upgrades will not proceed as originally planned.
Continued Acquisition of New F-16s
While the modernization of the existing fleet may be off the table, Morocco is actively pursuing the acquisition of 25 new F-16 Block 72 aircraft. The first of these jets, a two-seat F-16D designated as number 8041, successfully took its inaugural flight on October 6th from Lockheed Martin's facility in Greenville, USA. These new fighters will be equipped with advanced features, including the AN/APG-83 AESA radar and long-range air-to-air missiles, thereby enhancing Morocco's defense capabilities significantly.
Insights from military sources suggest that the arrival of these state-of-the-art aircraft plays a crucial role in Morocco's decision to halt the complete transformation of the current F-16 fleet. The delivery schedule for the Block 72 jets appears promising, with expectations that they will arrive in Morocco between late 2027 and early 2028. There are two proposed deployment scenarios: either replacing the aging Mirage F1s at the Sidi Slimane airbase or augmenting the existing F-16 Block 52+ stationed at Ben Guerir. Should the latter occur, it is likely that the older F-16s will be reassigned to Sidi Slimane.
As reported by bladi.net.
