Morocco receives first U.S. M-ATV MRAP All Terrain Vehicles for its armed forces.

Citing information published on June 4, 2025, by Yabiladi, a Moroccan digital news platform, the first shipment of U.S.-manufactured M-ATV (MRAP All-Terrain Vehicles) for the Moroccan Armed Forces arrived at the port of Casablanca on June 3, 2025. This delivery represents a key milestone in the modernization of Morocco’s tactical vehicle fleet, enhancing the mobility and survivability of its land forces across varied operational theaters.
Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link

The M-ATV is a US-made MRAP All Terrain Vehicle designed to protect troops against mines and IEDs while offering high mobility across rough terrain. (Picture source: U.S. DoD)

The M-ATV, produced by American Company Oshkosh Defense, is a mine-resistant, ambush-protected vehicle engineered to deliver MRAP-level protection with superior off-road performance. It is optimized for operations in rugged terrain and hostile environments, offering increased protection against improvised explosive devices, small arms fire, and underbody blasts. The arrival of these vehicles aligns with Morocco’s ongoing investment in high-mobility platforms capable of supporting counterinsurgency, peacekeeping, and rapid response missions. A total of 50 M-ATVs are expected to be delivered under the current program, sourced through U.S. Army surplus channels and refurbished to operational standards.

The M-ATV (MRAP All-Terrain Vehicle) was originally developed to meet urgent operational needs during U.S. combat operations in Afghanistan, where conventional MRAPs struggled with terrain mobility. Weighing approximately 14 tons and powered by a Caterpillar C7 turbo-diesel engine, the M-ATV features an independent suspension system that allows high-speed maneuvering in off-road conditions while retaining the protective characteristics of a mine-resistant platform. The vehicle supports multiple configurations, including remote weapon stations, C4ISR integration, and troop transport, making it a versatile and battlefield-proven platform now being adopted by U.S. allies such as Morocco.

This transfer is facilitated through the U.S. Special Defense Acquisition Fund (SDAF), a strategic procurement mechanism jointly administered by the Pentagon and the U.S. State Department. SDAF enables the pre-purchase and storage of critical military assets intended for fast-track delivery to U.S. allies and international partners. Morocco’s inclusion in this program underscores the country’s strategic importance to U.S. regional defense policy and reinforces its role as a central security actor in North Africa and the Sahel.

In addition to the M-ATVs, Morocco has recently received other U.S. military equipment through the same SDAF framework, illustrating a broader trend of deepening bilateral defense cooperation. Previous deliveries have reportedly included tactical communications systems, logistics vehicles, night vision gear, and armored support equipment. These assets have primarily come through the coordination of U.S. Army Security Assistance Command (USASAC), which manages foreign military sales and deliveries, along with the U.S. Army Materiel Command and support from U.S. Transportation Command for logistics and shipment.

The cooperation has also involved operational liaison from U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM), particularly in aligning the deliveries with Morocco’s strategic readiness goals and ensuring compatibility with U.S. systems during bilateral and multinational training exercises such as “African Lion.” These efforts collectively enhance Morocco’s ability to participate in joint missions and reinforce its capabilities in crisis response, border protection, and regional stability.

In parallel with SDAF deliveries, Morocco continues to expand its defense procurement under the U.S. Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program. On April 15, 2025, the U.S. Department of State approved a major FMS deal for the Kingdom of Morocco involving 600 FIM-92K Stinger Block I surface-to-air missiles, with an estimated value of $825 million. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency formally notified Congress, marking a significant upgrade in Morocco’s short-range air defense capabilities.

These recent developments build on a series of major acquisitions made by Morocco over the past five years through FMS. Between 2022 and 2023, Morocco received 162 M1A1 Abrams main battle tanks, refurbished to the M1A1SA configuration. In earlier years, Morocco acquired 36 AIM-9X Sidewinder missiles (delivered in 2020–2021), 4 AIM-120C AMRAAM air-to-air missiles for F-16 fighters (delivered in 2021), and 400 BGM-71 TOW-2A RF anti-tank missiles out of a total order of 1,200, delivered in 2020.

The Moroccan Royal Navy has also benefited from U.S. support, with the delivery of two Bell 412EP Sentinel anti-submarine helicopters upgraded to the EPi version, received in 2022. These rotary-wing assets now support maritime surveillance and anti-submarine operations in Moroccan coastal waters.

The delivery and integration of these U.S. M-ATV MRAP All-Terrain Vehicles are coordinated through the U.S. Army Security Assistance Command (USASAC), with operational support from U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM), ensuring Morocco’s enhanced interoperability with U.S. and NATO forces. These efforts are regularly tested in exercises such as “African Lion,” where Moroccan and U.S. forces conduct joint training and operational readiness evaluations.

The increase in the volume, diversity, and strategic nature of U.S. military equipment delivered to Morocco clearly reflects a strengthening of bilateral defense ties. The combination of SDAF-enabled quick response deliveries and long-term FMS programs highlights Morocco’s trusted-partner status in U.S. foreign policy, particularly as a reliable ally in Africa and the Mediterranean basin. This expanding defense relationship not only boosts Morocco’s military capabilities but also positions the country as a critical node in future coalition operations and regional stabilization efforts.