State Department clears F-16 sales to Morocco worth $4.7B

The State Department has approved Morocco to purchase F-16 aircraft and upgrades in two potential sales collectively worth an estimated $4.7 billion.

Morocco has been cleared to purchase 25 F-16 C/D aircraft and related equipment under one possible sale estimated to cost $3.8 billion, according to the Defense Security Cooperation Agency. In addition to the aircraft equipment and spares, the sale features armaments, including Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missiles and multiple guided bombs.

"The proposed sale will contribute to Morocco's self-defense capabilities," DSCA states. "The purchase will improve interoperability with the United States and other regional allies and enhance Morocco's ability to undertake coalition operations, as it has done in the past in flying sorties against ISIS in Syria and Iraq. Morocco already operates an F-16 fleet and will have no difficulty absorbing this aircraft and services into its armed forces."

Separately, the State Department also approved Morocco to purchase upgrades for 23 of its existing fighters to the F-16V configuration in a sale estimated to cost $985 million, according to DSCA.