US State Department approves possible sale of $825M Stinger missiles to Morocco

The US State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Kingdom of Morocco of FIM-92K Stinger Block I missiles and related equipment for an estimated cost of $825 million, Report informs via the US Department of Defense.

The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale today.

The Kingdom of Morocco has requested to buy up to six hundred (600) FIM-92K Stinger Block I missiles. The following non-MDE items will also be included: US Government and contractor engineering, logistics, and technical support services; and other related elements of logistics and program support. The estimated total cost is $825 million.

This proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security of the United States by helping to improve the security of a major non-NATO ally that continues to be an important force for political stability and economic progress in North Africa.

The proposed sale will improve Morocco’s capability to meet current and future threats. Morocco intends to use these defense articles and services to modernize its armed forces and expand its existing army short-range air defense options. This will contribute to the Moroccan Army’s goals of updating capability and further enhancing interoperability with the US and other allies. Morocco will have no difficulty absorbing this equipment into its armed forces.

The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not alter the basic military balance in the region.

The principal contractors will be RTX Corporation, located in Tucson, AZ; and Lockheed Martin, located in Syracuse, NY. At this time, the US Government is not aware of any offset agreement proposed in connection with this potential sale. Any offset agreement will be defined in negotiations between the purchaser and the contractor.

Implementation of this proposed sale will not require the assignment of any additional US Government or contractor representatives to the Kingdom of Morocco.