Morocco has received seven AH-64E Apache attack helicopters at the Cap Draa training area near Tan-Tan. The delivery is the second batch of Apaches to arrive in the country. It came at the end of African Lion 2024, the largest military exercise in Africa.
Senior military officials from Morocco and the United States attended the ceremony. Morocco was represented by Army General Mohammed Berrid, Major General Mohamed Gadih and Major General Mohammed Benlouali. The US delegation included General Dagvin Anderson, General Christopher T. Donahue, Major General Daniel Boyack and a congressional group led by Representative Ronny Jackson.
The helicopters are part of a $1.5bn deal signed in 2020 for 24 aircraft, with an option to buy 12 more. Morocco received the first six Apaches in early 2025.
The Royal Armed Forces said the purchase aims to strengthen national defence and support regional stability.
The AH-64E Apache is one of the most advanced attack helicopters in service. It uses the AN/APG-78 Longbow radar, which can track up to 128 targets at once and engage the 16 most dangerous quickly, even in bad weather or smoke.
Morocco’s helicopters include a maritime mode that can track and target fast boats. Pilots can also control drones from the cockpit and use their camera feeds to scout ahead.
The aircraft carry a 30mm M230 cannon that fires up to 625 rounds per minute and Hellfire missiles designed to hit armoured vehicles and bunkers from up to eight kilometres away. The deal also includes laser-guided 70mm rockets.
Each helicopter has two General Electric T700-GE-701D engines. They can fly at more than 280km/h and reach altitudes of up to 6,096 metres. The aircraft are built to resist 23mm anti-aircraft fire.
The helicopters are mainly based at Khouribga air base, which has been upgraded with new hangars, maintenance facilities and flight simulators.
Morocco is now one of the few African countries, alongside Egypt, to operate this version of the Apache.
