IRIA News

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The United States approved a proposed $825 million sale of advanced FIM-92K Stinger Block I missiles and associated defense support to the Kingdom of Morocco.

The announcement was made by the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA), the U.S. Department of Defense body responsible for overseeing foreign military sales. The DSCA confirmed the authorization on its official website, detailing that the package includes 600 FIM-92K Stinger Block I missiles, as well as extensive contractor engineering, logistics, and technical support services.

“The State Department has decided to approve the possible sale to the Kingdom of Morocco of FIM-92K Stinger Block I missiles for foreign military purposes and related equipment for a total amount of about $825 million,” the statement read.

The Stinger missile system, developed by RTX Corporation (formerly Raytheon Technologies), is a highly portable surface-to-air missile widely used for low-altitude air defense. Known for its effectiveness against drones, helicopters, and fixed-wing aircraft, the FIM-92K variant represents a key upgrade, featuring advanced seeker technology and greater targeting precision.

According to the Pentagon, “There will be no adverse impact on U.S. defense readiness as a result of this proposed sale.” RTX Corporation will serve as the lead contractor, with Lockheed Martin also participating in the program’s implementation.

Strategic implications

While the transaction is formally framed as a commercial military sale, it aligns closely with Washington’s broader geopolitical objectives in the region. U.S. defense officials emphasized that the sale supports American efforts to strengthen the military capacities of key regional allies, particularly in the volatile Maghreb and Sahel regions.

The DSCA noted that the transaction “further aligns with U.S. efforts to bolster military cooperation across West Asia and North Africa,” a region increasingly facing threats from terrorism, smuggling, and geopolitical rivalry.

For Morocco, the purchase reflects a continuing trend of defense modernization and a growing desire to position itself as a dominant military actor in North Africa. The acquisition of these missiles marks one of the most significant arms deals between Morocco and the United States in recent years.

US-Morocco military relations

The deal follows a series of U.S. arms agreements with Morocco that have intensified since 2020, when the administration of President Donald Trump proposed a $1 billion arms package to Rabat. That offer came shortly after Morocco signed a normalization deal with Israel under the U.S.-brokered Abraham Accords.

As part of that agreement, the United States formally recognized Morocco’s claim over the disputed Western Sahara region, a decision that stirred considerable controversy both domestically and internationally. The territory, contested by the Algeria-backed Polisario Front, remains a flashpoint in North African geopolitics.

The normalization deal with Israel was met with widespread criticism. Many Moroccans and Palestinians viewed the agreement as a betrayal of the Palestinian cause. Morocco signed a U.S.-brokered normalization agreement with the Tel Aviv regime in 2020, drawing condemnations from Moroccans and Palestinians who slammed the pact as a stab in the back of the Palestinian cause.

Still, the security dividends for Morocco have been significant. In addition to the growing defense ties with the United States, Rabat has expanded its military procurement from Israel as well.

Israeli weapons sales to Morocco.

Earlier in February 2025, Morocco reportedly finalized a contract with Israeli defense company Elbit Systems for the acquisition of 36 Atmos 2000 self-propelled howitzers. The system, mounted on heavy-duty trucks, is marketed by Elbit as “battle-tested” and has seen operational use in various conflict zones.

With this contract, Israel became Morocco’s third-largest arms supplier, accounting for approximately 11 percent of the kingdom’s total weapons imports, according to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI).

Morocco’s military modernization strategy

The newly authorized missile deal is part of Morocco’s broader defense modernization program, which includes not only the procurement of advanced weaponry but also expansion of domestic defense capabilities and joint training exercises with international partners.

The FIM-92K Stinger Block I system will provide Morocco with a portable and reliable method of countering aerial threats. As drone warfare becomes increasingly prevalent in modern conflicts, particularly given the lessons learned from the war in Ukraine, systems like the Stinger are viewed as essential for any mid-sized military seeking to upgrade its air defense capabilities.

By deepening defense ties with Washington and enhancing its military partnership with Israel, Morocco is positioning itself as a key U.S. ally in a region of growing strategic importance. These developments come amid ongoing instability in parts of West Africa and increasing Russian and Chinese interest in North African affairs, prompting the U.S. to strengthen its network of regional allies.