Morocco is filling the gap in terms of offensive air capabilities with the acquisition of the mighty 36 Apache helicopters and related equipment for a total cost of 4.25 billion dollars. The acquisition will bolster the attack capabilities of Morocco’s Royal Air Force which currently operates 24 Aerospatiale SA342L Gazelle helicopters procured from 1978 that need replacing. The Apache remains one of the best performing attack helicopter since it was first launched in 1989. The acquisition would seriously tip the balance in favor of Morocco in the regional arms race with Algeria. Morocco operates F16 fighter jets while Algeria relies on Russia’s SU-30.

Source: The North Africa Journal November 22, 2019 00:11 UTC