Morocco acquires advanced TOW anti-tank missiles from the US Military.

On August 21, 2023, Morocco signed an agreement to acquire the TOW anti-tank missiles from the United States, as confirmed by the US Department of Defense. These missiles, which have previously been mounted on Bradley vehicles, are scheduled to be delivered to the North African nation next year. The details regarding the inclusion of the Bradley vehicles in this deal remain undisclosed.
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The TOW has a basic operational range of 3,000 meters, although most variants can reach up to 3,750 meters (Picture source: United States DoD )

The TOW missiles, highlighted for their deployment in the Ukrainian conflict, are part of the US's 300 million euro military aid package to Ukraine. For Morocco, this acquisition marks a continuation of its ongoing military modernization.

The TOW (Tube-launched, Optically tracked, Wire-guided) anti-tank missile is a weapon that has been used in numerous conflicts since its introduction into the US military arsenal in 1970. Designed by the Hughes Aircraft Company between 1963 and 1968, the TOW is an optically tracked wire-guided missile that has been used by many operators worldwide.

The TOW missile measures between 1.16 and 1.17 meters in length with the probe folded and between 1.41 and 1.51 meters with the probe extended, although some variants do not have a probe. The missile has a diameter of 152mm and a wingspan of 0.46 meters. The missile's warhead weighs between 3.9 and 6.14 kg and can penetrate between 430 and 900mm of high-strength steel armor (RHA).

The TOW has a basic operational range of 3,000 meters, although most variants can reach up to 3,750 meters. The missile can achieve a maximum speed of 278 to 320 m/s. The TOW's guidance system is optically tracked and wire-guided, although the RF variants are radio-guided wirelessly. The unit cost of the TOW missile varies depending on the variant. In 2021, the cost of the TOW 2B Aero was $93,640, while the Bunker Buster cost $54,956.

The TOW missile has been used in numerous conflicts since its introduction in 1970. It was first deployed during the Vietnam War and has been used in conflicts such as the Third Indochina War, the 1982 Lebanon War, the Soviet-Afghan War, the Iran-Iraq War, the Gulf War, the War in Somalia, the War in Afghanistan, the Syrian Civil War, the Iraq War, the Russo-Ukrainian War, the Yemeni Civil War, the Saudi intervention in Yemen, the 2016 India-Pakistan border skirmishes, and the conflict in Najran, Jizan, and Asir.

Rabat, the Moroccan capital, has also integrated the Israeli "Barak" air defense systems and the "Pulse" missile launcher into its arsenal. These acquisitions underscore Morocco's ambition to solidify its leadership in North Africa and the Maghreb region. Furthermore, Morocco has procured advanced drones from countries such as Turkey, China, Israel, and the US.

The strengthening of ties between the US and Morocco has been evident in recent years, especially following the Abraham Accords initiated during Donald Trump's tenure. This bond was further solidified with Israel's recognition of the Moroccan Saharan state. Such developments have fostered a harmonious relationship between the two nations, leading to these military pacts.

There is much speculation regarding the potential inclusion of Bradley vehicles in this arms package. If realized, it would bolster Morocco's ground forces, which already boast the US-made Abrams tanks.