Morocco wins U.S. nod for F-16 weapons

RABAT, Morocco, Sept. 16 (UPI) -- Morocco has won a U.S. congressional approval for F-16 fighter aircraft equipment and weapons.

The estimated $187 million planned purchase is part of a $2.4 billion deal signed last year, allowing Morocco to join the F-16 multi-role fighter program, ordering 24 F-16 Block 52(plus) fighters.

Under the latest agreement presented to Congress by the Defense Security Cooperation Agency, the government of Morocco seeks support equipment and weaponry for the F-16C/D Block 50/52.

Among the F-16 weapons that will feature in the purchase program are the laser-guided Maverick missile, a direct-attack air-to-ground precision munitions used extensively by the U.S. Air Force.

"Delivery of these weapon systems will greatly enhance Morocco's interoperability with the U.S. and other NATO nations, making it more valuable partner in increasingly important area of the world," the Defense Security Cooperation Agency said in a statement.

The proposed sale will also boost Morocco's need for its own self-defense.

The country is one of the most stable and pro-Western states within the Arab world and a major non-NATO ally.

The Obama administration has already endorsed Rabat's request for 60 enhanced GBU-12 Paveway 2-kits and 28 M-61 Vulcan Cannons, Defence Talk reported.

"Morocco also wants to install communications, air combat pods, targeting pods, ground stations, night vision goggles, joint mission planning systems and radar warning receivers," it reported referring to a statement by the Defense Security Cooperation Agency.

Lockheed Martin, Boeing, Northrop, Raytheon and L-3 Communications were identified as some of the key contractors in the proposed project.

"Implementation of the sale will not require the assignment of any additional U.S. government personnel or contractor representatives to Morocco," the defense agency said.

The proposed sale is not expected to alter the basic military balance in the region.

Still, it affords the latest indication of the United States' lead in arms sales in the developing world.

In 2008 alone, the United States signed 70.1 percent of its arms sales agreement with nations in the region.

Among them, the $2.1 billion jet fighter deal with Morocco, next to a $6.5 billion air defense system for the United Arab Emirates, according to a report by The New York Times earlier this month.

The report revealed that the United Arab Emirates was the top buyer of arms in the developing world with $9.7 billion in arms purchase in 2008.

Saudi Arabia followed with $8.7 billion in weapons deals. Morocco ranked third with $5.4 billion in similar deals.