Royal Moroccan Air Force to Integrate Harpoon Boeing Missiles into F-16 Fleet.

The Kingdom of Morocco has recently announced the acquisition of ten Harpoon Block II anti-ship missiles and SLAM-ER cruise missiles from Boeing. This move is part of an ongoing effort to enhance the capabilities of the Royal Moroccan Air Force by integrating these missiles into the F-16 Viper combat aircraft. A total of 24 advanced-version jets are expected to be delivered by 2026.
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Additionally, Morocco will enhance the offensive capabilities of its F-16s with BRU-57/A weapon release units, doubling the number of smart bombs each aircraft can carry (Picture source: Morocco Air Forces)

The A/U/RGM-84 Harpoon is an all-weather, over-the-horizon missile system used for both aerial and naval launches. Its warhead is designed to ensure high efficiency and survival through active radar guidance, a low-altitude cruise trajectory, and sea-skimming or pop-up maneuvers. The Harpoon Block II, carrying a 525 kg explosive payload with a range of 280 km, can precisely target hostile maritime assets. This acquisition was announced in April 2020 as part of a $62 million agreement. 

The sale of these missiles was approved by the U.S. State Department on April 14, 2020, following an announcement by the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA). The transaction also includes containers, spare parts, support and test equipment, publications, technical documentation, personnel training, training materials, engineering services, logistical support, and other related logistical elements.

It should be noted that the Harpoon missiles destined for Morocco are specifically adapted to limit their coastal targeting capabilities, in line with a political decision not to engage land targets. These missiles are equipped to effectively detect enemy ships even in near-shore or congested waters, thanks to enhanced GPS navigation. This feature is part of the ongoing upgrades to the Harpoon system, as confirmed by Jim O’Neill, Boeing's General Manager for Navy Missile Systems.

Additionally, Morocco will enhance the offensive capabilities of its F-16s with BRU-57/A weapon release units, doubling the number of smart bombs each aircraft can carry. In December 2022, L3Harris Technologies secured a $29 million contract to supply these systems to air forces in the Middle East and North Africa.

This expansion of military capabilities occurs within a broader context of enhancing the Moroccan armed forces and increasing control over its maritime domain. It reflects the recent approval of legislative projects by the Ministerial Council to strengthen the defense sector, under the leadership of King Mohammed VI. This series of developments marks a step toward Morocco's autonomy as a defense industrialist, affirming its commitment to bolster its defensive and strategic posture in the region.