The U.S. State Department has announced its approval of a new arms sale to Morocco. The deal involves hundreds of small-diameter bombs, specifically the GBU-39B model, along with related military equipment, for an estimated cost of $86 million.
The Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) notified Congress of this potential sale on December 20, 2024, as required. The package includes 500 GBU-39B SDBI bombs and two inert GBU-39 (T-1)/B training bombs.
The deal also encompasses a range of additional equipment, including tactical training munitions, containers, weapons system support, and various spare parts. The U.S. government and contractors will provide training, logistics, and engineering services.
The State Department stated that this proposed sale is intended to support U.S. foreign policy and national security objectives by enhancing the security of a major non-NATO ally. Morocco is considered a significant force for political stability and economic progress in North Africa.
The sale will bolster Morocco’s ability to address current and future threats and strengthen joint operations between the U.S. and Royal Moroccan Air Forces. The U.S. has assured that Morocco will have no difficulty integrating this equipment into its armed forces and that the sale will not alter the basic military balance in the region.
Boeing, based in St. Louis, Missouri, has been designated as the prime contractor for this sale. No offset agreements have been proposed in connection with this potential sale.
The State Department clarified that implementing this sale will not require additional U.S. government or contractor representatives in Morocco. Moreover, the sale will not adversely impact U.S. defense readiness. The estimated value reflects the maximum projected requirements based on the initial request.
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