The Moroccan armed forces officially showcased the AH-64E Apache attack helicopters received from the United States, with the procurement process starting back in the 2010s, as the approval for their purchase was granted in November 2019. The contract for these helicopters was reportedly signed around 2020, although it has not been officially announced, nor have the specific quantities, delivery timelines, or costs been disclosed.
In the photos, the AH-64E Apache helicopters already display the insignia of the Moroccan Air Force, along with a two-tone desert camouflage pattern.
Morocco received permission to acquire 36 helicopters, of which 24 are firm orders and 12 are options. Additionally, the procurement of 12 advanced radar systems was agreed upon.
Furthermore, the approval included the sale of over 1,000 AGM-114 Hellfire missiles in various versions, 600 APKWS rockets, more than 50 Stinger missiles, over 5,216 unguided Hydra rockets, 93,000 30mm shells, as well as other additional equipment and services.
Overall, the maximum announced cost was set at up to $4.25 billion. However, the exact number of helicopters and weapons ordered, along with the terms, remains unclear. The photos capture up to three units, which evidently arrived in the first batch.
The acquisition of these machines made Morocco the second African operator of the AH-64 Apache after Egypt and the first to receive the latest E version, which is also sometimes referred to as the Guardian. Overall, this will significantly enhance the country's fleet of combat helicopters, which currently includes 6 H135M and 19 SA342L Gazelle helicopters.
It is also worth noting that with a defense budget of up to $7 billion, Morocco is so interesting that there have even been "leaks" about a possible purchase of F-35s.