United States Approves Sale of Javelin FGM-148F Missiles to Morocco.

On March 19, 2024, the United States Department of State approved a weapons sale to Morocco, involving Javelin missiles and related equipment valued at approximately $260 million. This initiative is part of efforts to bolster Morocco's defense capabilities.
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United States Department of State approved a weapons sale to Morocco, involving Javelin missiles and related equipment. (Picture source: US DoD)

Under this proposed sale, Morocco is expected to acquire 612 Javelin FGM-148F missiles, including the provision for twelve "fly-to-buy" missiles and 200 Javelin Lightweight Command Launch Units (LWCLUs). The package also encompasses various support and training equipment, including missile simulation rounds, support equipment, maintenance tools, and comprehensive training programs for operators and ammunition officers. The agreement is designed to provide Morocco with enhanced defensive capabilities to protect its sovereignty and meet its national defense needs without affecting the regional military balance.

The sale underscores the United States' commitment to supporting Morocco, a major non-NATO Ally, as a pillar of political stability and economic progress in North Africa. It also reflects the strategic partnership between the two nations in promoting security and peace in the region.

The main contractors of the agreement are the Javelin Joint Venture between Lockheed Martin, based in Orlando, Florida, and RTX Corporation in Tucson, Arizona. Notably, the agreement involves no offset agreements and will not require the presence of U.S. government or contractor personnel in Morocco for its implementation.

The Javelin FGM-148F missile is an anti-tank guided missile system designed by the United States, weighing 11.8 kg and measuring 1.08 meters in length with a diameter of 126 mm. This system is used by a variety of countries around the world, including, but not limited to, Australia, France, the United Kingdom, Ukraine, and the United States, thus demonstrating its widespread adoption and reliability on the battlefield.

Designed to be operated by two soldiers, the Javelin offers an effective range capability of 2,500 to 4,750 meters, allowing for precise long-distance attacks against armored targets. The missile is equipped with a tandem-shaped charge warhead, optimized for penetrating modern armors, including those with reactive protections.

The Javelin's guidance system is based on passive target acquisition and fire control, integrating a day/night infrared sight with magnification capabilities of 4x for daylight and 4x or 9x for thermal vision. This technology enables operators to lock onto and engage targets with high precision, even in conditions of low visibility or at night.

The Javelin firing post, separate from the missile itself, weighs 6.4 kg, contributing to the overall portability of the system. All these features make the Javelin FGM-148F a powerful and flexible tool for armed forces, offering significant anti-armor engagement capabilities across a variety of operational theaters.

Officials assert that the proposed sale will not hurt the United States' defense readiness. Moreover, while the estimated cost of the sale stands at $260 million, the final amount may vary depending on finalized requirements and budget allocations.