Morocco has received a new shipment of Boeing AH-64 Apache attack helicopters under a $1.5 billion agreement with the United States, enhancing its aerial combat strength as the aircraft gain attention for their recent use by U.S. forces to protect shipping lanes in the Strait of Hormuz.
The Royal Moroccan Air Force confirmed the arrival of the helicopters, which are part of a phased government-to-government deal signed with Washington in 2020 for 24 units, with an option to purchase 12 more.
This latest delivery follows the first six helicopters that arrived in March 2025 at the 7th Air Base in Khouribga.
The acquisitions highlight Morocco’s role as a key U.S. strategic partner in Africa, with Rabat regularly hosting joint military exercises and maintaining close collaboration with U.S. Africa Command.
Over the years, Washington has strengthened its defence relationship with Morocco, which remains one of the continent’s largest beneficiaries of American security assistance.
Heightened regional tensions are reshaping North Africa’s security environment. The procurement occurs amid ongoing disputes with Algeria over Western Sahara, as well as shifting diplomatic and security dynamics involving Egypt and other Mediterranean countries, prompting concerns about regional military balance.
Analysts suggest that Morocco’s helicopter purchases are aimed at preserving deterrence and maintaining operational superiority amid an increasingly complex regional security context.
The AH-64E Apache Guardian represents one of the world’s most sophisticated attack helicopters.
It features a 30mm M230 chain gun, AGM-114 Hellfire missiles with an 8-kilometre range, and Hydra 70 rockets, providing versatile strike options against both armored and ground targets.
The helicopter also incorporates the AN/APG-78 Longbow radar, allowing it to track multiple targets in adverse weather, guide missiles in real time, and coordinate with ground forces.
The Apache has a long operational history with U.S. forces, from Operation Desert Storm in Iraq to recent missions in the Persian Gulf region, including operations over the Strait of Hormuz and strikes against Iranian-aligned militias in Iraq.
The U.S. deployed these helicopters to secure key shipping routes prior to a two-week ceasefire with Iran that temporarily reopened the strategic waterway.
With the arrival of the second batch, Morocco is closer to establishing one of North Africa’s most advanced rotary-wing attack fleets.
The move further cements Rabat’s strategic partnership with Washington and underscores a shift in Africa’s defence landscape, as nations increasingly invest in advanced airpower to address evolving regional security challenges.