Morocco struck a deal with the American company Boeing several years ago to acquire 24 Apache AH-64 helicopters, a transaction expected to see delivery to the kingdom in the early months of this year, according to statements by the American company.
Even before their delivery, this batch of helicopters has drawn attention, especially from the Spanish press, which has begun comparing Morocco’s military capabilities with those of its Iberian neighbour, particularly in light of the Apache AH-64 being among the world’s most advanced and stable helicopters. Morocco is now the seventeenth country to obtain this type of aircraft.
Abdelrahman Makaoui, a military expert, stated that “the American Apache helicopters are among the most advanced attack helicopters in the field of aviation, only rivaled by the Russian Mi-28.”
He added, “The Apache AH-64 helicopters are known for their effectiveness and combat capabilities due to their load of weapons, including air-to-ground, air-to-air, and air-to-sea missiles, not to mention their equipped machine guns.”
The expert highlighted the high speed of these helicopters, stating that they “have proven their effectiveness in many theatres of operation, such as the Gulf Wars, as well as in Afghanistan, Libya, and Yemen.”
Makaoui further noted, “The acquisition of such helicopters by Morocco will enhance the defensive capabilities of the Royal Air Force, adding to the helicopters acquired from other countries.”
He also pointed out that these helicopters are equipped with “a very complex communication system, trained on by the Moroccan army during various ‘African Lion’ manoeuvres in which American forces participated with this type of aircraft.”
The same expert emphasized that “Morocco’s acquisition of such aircraft will create a commitment in the region, especially since Algeria has Russian aircraft of the Mi-28 type,” confirming that “the Moroccan forces are gradually enhancing their capabilities with various types of weapons in a region fraught with threats.”
Boeing has delivered nearly 2,500 Apache helicopters to 16 countries so far, including the United States, the Netherlands, Greece, the United Kingdom, Japan, India, Singapore, South Korea, and Saudi Arabia.
The Spanish newspaper “La Razón” compared the Apache helicopters Morocco will receive with the “Tigre” helicopters owned by Spain, stating that they “are one of the most lethal helicopters in the world compared to the aircraft manufactured by Eurocopter for Spain, France, and Germany.”
“La Razón” also stated that “these helicopters are among the best attack helicopters in the world, only comparable to some Russian models such as the Mi-28 Havoc or the Ka-52 Alligator, and are considered by many to be the best reconnaissance and combat helicopters in the world.”