US State Department proposes $260M sale of portable anti-tank guided-missile systems to Morocco

The U.S. State Department is proposing a deal with the government of Morocco that includes the sale of 612 Javelin missiles and other related equipment for an estimated cost of $260 million to improve security for the non-NATO ally in North Africa.

Congress was notified of the possible sale Tuesday, when the Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification, according to a press release.

The Moroccan government requested to purchase 612 Javelin FGM-148F missiles and 200 Javelin Lightweight Command Launch Units (LWCLUs). The systems can be carried by a single soldier and are used to fire guided, anti-tank missiles.

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In this image taken from footage provided by the Ukrainian Defense Ministry Press Service, a Ukrainian soldiers use a launcher with US Javelin missiles during military exercises in Donetsk region, Ukraine, Wednesday, Jan. 12, 2022. The State Department is proposing to sell the same systems to Morocco. (Ukrainian Defense Ministry Press Service via AP, File) (Ukrainian Defense Ministry Press Service )

Morocco is located on the southern side of the Strait of Gibraltar. The country is also a non-NATO ally, which the Defense Security Cooperation Agency says is an important force when it comes to North Africa’s economic progress and political stability.

The sale is intended to help with Morocco’s ability to detect threats and control its borders to help maintain regional stability and security.

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A soldier with the 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team stands next to a Javelin missile loaded onto a Stryker Infantry Carrier Vehicle before a live-fire training exercise on April 28, 2022 in Fort Carson, Colorado. (Photo by Michael Ciaglo/Getty Images) (Michael Ciaglo )

Along with Javelin missiles and launchers, the sale includes missile simulation rounds; Javelin support equipment; measuring tools; books and publications; power plus distribution equipment; component parts and support equipment; life cycle support and tech support; gunner training; ammunition officer’s training; system integration and checkout; maintenance training; tactical aviation and ground munitions; and other related elements pertaining to logistics and program support.

The release noted that the sale of the equipment does not throw the military balance in the region off balance, adding there are no known offset agreements in regard to the sale.

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In April 2023, the State Department proposed a deal with the Moroccan government that included the sale of High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS) and other related equipment for about $542 million.