List of equipment of the Royal Moroccan Army explained
Modern equipment of the Royal Moroccan Armed Forces is a list of equipment currently in service with the Royal Moroccan Army. Sources are the United States Excess Defense Articles (EDA) database,[1] UNROCA[2],INSS Israel's Middle East Military Balance,[3] World Small Arms Inventory,[4] SIPRI Trade registers[5] and the Military Balance in the Middle East by CSIS,[6] and Army-Guide.
Infantry equipment
Individual equipmentName | Image | Origin | Type | Notes |
---|
SPECTRA helmet | | | Combat helmet | Used by ground forces, large quantities, manufactured locally by MSA Mohammedia |
Advanced Combat Helmet | | | Combat helmet | Standard issue helmet as of February 2024 (MKU Kavro MKH/ACH-7 version) . Locally produced . |
Modular Integrated Communications Helmet | | | Combat helmet | Used by special forces and naval infantry |
Gallet TC 801 | | | Combat helmet | used by special forces, produced locally by MSA Mohammedia |
Future Assault Shell Technology helmet | | | Combat helmet | used by special forces |
M1 helmet | | | Combat helmet | used for training, no longer in service |
OG-107 | | | Combat uniform | former army combat uniform, replaced by a new one,[7] used for training |
Camouflage Central-Europe | | | Combat uniform | Still in use |
Desert Lizard | | | Combat uniform | Still in use by some units . |
Red Lizard | | | Combat uniform | Still in use by paratrooper units . |
Operational Camouflage Pattern | | | Combat uniform | Used by the 1st Atlas Combat Brigade https://fr.hespress.com/287816-haut-atlas-exercice-interallie-entre-les-far-et-le-13e-bataillon-francais-de-bca.html |
Personnel Armor System for Ground Troops | | | Combat helmetBulletproof vest | Phased out . |
Improved Outer Tactical Vest | | | Bulletproof vest | Standard issue bulletproof vest as of February 2024 . Locally Produced . |
Combat Integrated Releasable Armor System | | | Bulletproof vest | used by Saharan units . |
AN/PVS-14 | | | Night-vision device | used by ground forces and special forces |
AN/PVS-7 | | | Night-vision device | used by special forces |
Pulsar Edge | | | Night-vision device | Used by special forces and ground forces |
AMBIA | | | Night-vision device | used by special forces |
Leupold HAMR | | | Telescopic sight | mounted on the M4A1, used by special forces |
Trijicon MRO® HD | | | Red dot sight | Coupled with a 3x flip magnifier, used by special forces . |
Aimpoint CompM4 | | | Red dot sight | mounted on the M4A1, used by paratroopers |
Advanced Combat Optical Gunsight | | | prismatic telescopic sights | mounted on M4 and M16A4, used by special forces |
EOTech | | | Holographic weapon sight | mounted on various weapons, used by special forces |
CornerShot | | Israel | Weapon accessory | seen in use by the GIGR |
AN/PEQ-2 | | | Laser sight (firearms) | Used by the special forces . |
AN/PEQ-15 | | | Laser sight (firearms) | Used by special forces . | |
Weapons
Name | Image | Caliber | Type | Origin | Notes |
---|
Pistols |
---|
Beretta 92 | | 9×19mm Parabellum | Semi-automatic pistol | | Used by the police and several army/special forces units . |
Browning Hi-Power | | 9×19mm Parabellum | Semi-automatic pistol | | Used by paratroopers |
MAC Mle 1950 | | 9×19mm Parabellum | Semi-automatic pistol | | Used by royal gendarmerie |
MAB PA-15 | | 9×19mm Parabellum | Semi-automatic pistol | | Standard service pistol |
TT 33 | | 7.62×25mm | Semi-automatic pistol | | Still in use. |
Glock 19 | | 9x19 Parabellum | Semi-automatic pistol | | Used by special forces and BCIJ counter-terrorism forces and GIMR |
Glock 17 | | 9x19 Parabellum | Semi-automatic pistol | | Used by special forces . https://defense-arab.com/vb/attachments/581215/ |
Beretta Px4 Storm | | 9×19mm Parabellum .40 S&W .45 ACP | Semi-automatic pistol | | in use with the BCI and BRI police squads |
Submachine guns |
---|
IWI Tavor X95 | | 9×19mm Parabellum | Submachine gun | Israel | X95 SMG variant, seen in a police parade https://ledesk.ma/desintox/tavor-israelien-la-dgsn-joue-sur-les-mots-pour-dementir/ |
Heckler & Koch MP5 | | 9×19mm Parabellum | Submachine gun | | Used by tank crews. A3 version for special forces (GSIGR,BCIJ), customisable, all versions in use |
Brügger & Thomet MP9 | | 9×19mm Parabellum | submachine gun | Switzerland | Used by the GIMR (Groupe D'intervention de la Marine Royale) |
MP5K | | 9×19mm Parabellum | submachine gun | | Seen in use by the GSIGR units . |
Shotguns |
---|
Mossberg 500 | | 12 gauge | Shotgun | | Used by the army |
Benelli M4 | | 12 gauge | Shotgun | | Used by counter-terrorism forces and anti -narcotics |
Franchi SPAS-12 | | 12 gauge | Shotgun | | Used by the royal gendarmerie |
Rifles |
---|
AK-103 | | 7.62×39mm | Assault rifle | | Used by paratroopers (2eme BIP), the Mountain brigade and some army units |
AK-105 | | 5.45×39mm | Assault rifle | | Used by the 1st BIP |
Beretta AR70/90 | | 5.56×45mm NATO | Assault rifle | | |
VCD-15 | | 5.56×45mm NATO.300 AAC Blackout | Assault rifle | | Used by special forces https://atlanticactu.com/a-loccasion-du-flintlock-2023-les-forces-speciales-marocaines-devoilent-leur-nouveau-fusil-dassaut/ |
Heckler & Koch HK416 | | 5.56x45 NATO | Assault rifle | | Seen in use by the GOS brigade in Qatar https://twitter.com/anassmedia8/status/1332431369616707586?lang=ar-x-fm |
M16A4 | | 5.56x45 NATO | Assault rifle | | Used by marine commandos and BCI units . |
M4 carbine | | 5.56x45 NATO | Assault rifle | | Used by the paratroopers and special forces (MSOF and GOS team) |
Steyr AUG | | 5.56×45mm NATO | Assault rifle | | Used by the BCI and the BRI squads, all versions in use |
SAR 21 | | 5.56×45mm NATO | Assault rifle | | Used by gendarmerie units, royal guard and paratroopers . |
FN F2000 | | 5.56×45mm NATO | Assault rifle | | Heavily used in the Royal Gendarmerie, all variants are customisable |
Misr | | 7.62×39mm | Assault rifle | | Standard infantry assault rifle of Royal Moroccan Army. |
M16A1/2/3/4 | | 5.56x45 NATO | Assault rifle | |
FN CAL[8] | | 5.56x45mm NATO | Assault rifle | |
FN FAL | | 7.62×51mm NATO | Battle rifle | |
Pistol Mitralieră model 1963/1965 | | 7.62x39mm | Assault rifle | |
Type 56 | | 7.62×39mm | Assault rifle | |
Heckler & Koch G3 | | 7.62×51mm NATO | Battle rifle | | Used as a battle rifle and a marksmanship rifle (PSG1) |
AMD-65 | | 7.62×39mm | Assault rifle | | Used by the GSI |
Machine guns |
---|
M249 | | 5.56×45mm NATO | light machine gun | | |
Ultimax 100 | | 5.56×45mm NATO | General-purpose machine gun | | |
FN MAG | | 7.62×51mm NATO | General-purpose machine gun | | MAG-60-20 Infanterie T1 https://salw-guide.bicc.de/pdf/countries/138/maroc.std.fr.pdf |
M240 machine gun | | 7.62×51mm NATO | General-purpose machine gun | | Standard medium machine gun, all variants https://www.dsca.mil/sites/default/files/EDA_Public_Report_2020-06-15.xlsx |
MG 3 machine gun | | 7.62×51mm NATO | General-purpose machine gun | | |
PK machine gun | | 7.62×54mmR | General-purpose machine gun | | |
RPK | | 7.62×39mm | Light machine gun | | no longer in service |
M60 machine gun | | 7.62×51mm NATO | General-purpose machine gun | | |
M134 Minigun | | 7.62×51mm NATO | Rotary Medium machine gun | | Used mostly on helicopters |
M2 Browning | | .50 BMG | Heavy machine gun | | Used mostly on vehicles and tanks |
DShK | | 12.7×108mm | Heavy machine gun | | no longer in service |
NSV machine gun | | 12.7×108mm | Heavy machine gun | | Used on T-72 tanks, still in service |
M621 cannon | | 20 mm caliber | Autocannon | | Used on the Aérospatiale SA 330 Puma and the Aérospatiale Gazelle, close air support roles |
20 mm modèle F2 gun | | 20 mm caliber | Autocannon | | Mounted on the Véhicule de l'Avant Blindé, VAB VCI 6x6 Toucan I version, used for counter-sniping and fire-support roles |
Sniper rifles |
---|
M14NM | | 7.62×51mm NATO | Sniper rifle | | |
Remington Model 700 | | .338 Lapua Magnum | Bolt action | | Used by the DGST SF, Model 700 and Magpul Pro 700 https://magpul.com/pro-700-folding-stock.html versions in use. |
PGM Ultima Ratio | | 7.62×51mm NATO | Sniper rifle | | Standard-issue army sniper rifle |
PGM 338 | | .338 Lapua Magnum | Sniper rifle | | Used by the Royal Gendarmerie. |
HK PSG1 | | 7.62×51mm NATO | Sniper rifle | | Used by paratroopers. |
M110 | | 7.62×51mm NATO | semi-automatic precision rifle | | Large amounts were purchased for the GFS/GOS teams |
Tikka T3 | | .308 Winchester | Sniper rifle | | Used by GSIGR snipers, Tikka T3x Tac A1 variant https://x.com/CaelumPugnator/status/1806646571137744975 . |
SR-25 | | 7.62×51mm NATO | Designated marksman riflesemi-automatic Sniper rifle | | Appeared in African Lion 2024, used by special forces, SR-25 E2 variant . |
Mk 13 Mod 5 | | .300 Winchester Magnum | Sniper rifle | United States | Appeared in African Lion 2024, used by special forces . |
Barrett M82 | | .50 BMG | Semi-automatic rifleAnti-materiel rifle | | Used by the GIMR, M107 variant |
FR F2 sniper rifle | | 7.62×51mm NATO | Sniper rifle | | |
LA115A3 | | .338 Lapua Magnum | Sniper rifle | | Used by the GOS/GFS team, small numbers |
M24 Sniper Weapon System | | 7.62×51mm NATO | Bolt action Sniper rifle | | used in many versions by the BCIJ and the GIGR |
Grenade launchers |
---|
M203 grenade launcher | | 40 mm | grenade launcher | | M203,M203A1and M203A2 all in service in the army and special forces https://www.dsca.mil/sites/default/files/EDA_Public_Report_2020-06-15.xlsx. large stock |
| | 40 mm | Automatic grenade launcher | | Large quantities |
Milkor MGL | | 40 mm | Grenade launcher | | Used by law enforcement and ground forces |
STK 40 AGL | | 40 mm | Automatic grenade launcher | | Large quantities | |
The Royal Moroccan Army employs various individual weapons to provide light firepower at short ranges. The main weapons used by the army are the M16A2 and AK-47 variants (Chinese
Type 56,
Romanian AIM/AIMS, Egyptian Misr, Yugoslav
Zastava M70AB2) in the Southern Sector, and the G3A3,
FN FAL/
FN CAL and
M16A1/A2/A4 in the Northern Sector. The
AK-74/ AKS-74U,
SAR 21,
AK-103,
Steyr AUG A1/A2/A3, MP5A3,
M4 carbine and
FN SCAR are used by different units as the Paratroopers, the Royal Guard, Security Forces and others units in the Navy and Air force.
The sidearms in the RMA are the MAB PA-15 for Active service, and Beretta 92 for specialized forces (Paratroopers, Special Forces, Security Forces, etc.)
Many units are supplemented with a variety of specialized weapons, those are the M249, HK11A1, FN Minimi, FALO-50-41, Ultimax 100, PK/PKM, RPD and RPK-74 to provide suppressive fire at the fire-team level. The M14NM and EBR are used by long-range marksmen, and the M82A1, the FR-F2, and the PGM Ultima Ratio are used by snipers. The Army also uses Automatic grenade launchers (AGLs) such as the STK 40 AGL or the Mk 47 Striker[9] both used on VAMTACs LUVs (Light Utility Vehicles) and handled by infantry units.
Other weapons used for training, exercises or parades are :
Crew served weapons
Coaxial Machine Guns and Automatic cannons:
The army uses different types of mortars for indirect fire support when heavier artillery may not be appropriate or available. The smallest of these are the 60mm M2 and MO 60. At the next higher echelon, the support can come from the 107mm M30 mortar, the 120mm M120 and MO-120-RT,120MM ECIA MORTAR AND 120MM NORINCO W86 MORTAR, or the 160mm Mortar M1943. A hundred of self-propelled mortars are also in RMA's inventory (See Below)
Anti-tank weapons
The Royal Moroccan Army employs a variety of anti-tank weapons, ranging from disposable, man-portable rockets to armored tank destroyers equipped with guided missiles.
Portable anti-tank rockets are employed by the infantry. Recoilless rifles are still in use, often mounted on trucks or other military vehicles, but they are being replaced by more effective anti-tank guided missiles. Tank destroyers represent the most mobile and best protected anti-tank weapons in service. Older gun-armed vehicles are being replaced by missile-equipped vehicles. Several of the army's infantry fighting vehicles are likewise equipped with anti-tank missiles, adding to the anti-tank weaponry available in the field.
Anti-tank weapons of the Royal Moroccan ArmySystem | Type | Origin | Image | Qty | Notes |
---|
M40A1 | Recoilless rifle | United States | | 350 | |
SPG-9 | | | 496 | https://www.unroca.org/ ATGL-H Bulgarian version |
B-10 | | | | Obsolete |
RK-3 Corsar | Anti-tank guided missile | | | U/N | https://www.menadefense.net/afnord/apparition-du-korsar-chez-les-forces-terrestres-marocaines/ |
BGM-71 TOW | | | (1,200) TOW 2A, Radio Frequency (RF) Missiles (BGM-71-4B-RF)(2,401) TOW 2A, Radio Frequency (RF) Missiles (BGM-71-4B-RF); and twenty eight (28) TOW 2A, Radio Frequency (RF) Missiles (BGM-71-4B-RF), Fly-to-Buy missiles for lot acceptance testing; and Four hundred (400) M220A2 TOW Launchers and/or four hundred (400) M41 Improved Target Acquisition System (ITAS) Launchers. | https://www.dsca.mil/press-media/major-arms-sales/morocco-tow-2a-radio-frequency-rf-missiles-bgm-71-4b-rf https://www.dsca.mil/press-media/major-arms-sales/government-morocco-tow-2a-radio-frequency-rf-missiles-bgm-71-4b-rf-and |
Skif (anti-tank guided missile) | | | | 125 launchers,1000 missiles | https://www.unroca.org/ |
FGM-148 Javelin | | | 200 LWCLU launchers | https://www.dsca.mil/press-media/major-arms-sales/morocco-javelin-missiles |
Spike LR2 | Israel | | Morocco acquired the LR2 ATGM | https://www.defensa.com/africa-asia-pacifico/marruecos-recibe-misiles-spike-drones-suicidas-israel |
Spike NLOS | Israel | | Morocco acquired the NLOS ATGM | https://www.defensa.com/africa-asia-pacifico/marruecos-recibe-misiles-spike-drones-suicidas-israel |
AGM-114 Hellfire | | | AGM-114L/R variants, used on the AH-64E attack helicopter | https://www.dsca.mil/press-media/major-arms-sales/morocco-ah-64e-helicopters |
9M133 Kornet | | | | Kornet-E version seen in 2019 https://www.army-technology.com/projects/kornet/, large quantities |
9M113 Konkurs | | | | Konkurs-M version, acquired via India https://www.armyrecognition.com/russia_russian_army_light_heavy_weapons_uk/at-5_spandrel_9k113_konkurs_konkurs-m_anti-tank_missile_technical_data_sheet_specifications_pictures.html. Large quantities |
9K115-2 Metis-M | | | | [10] Large quantities |
MILAN | France
| | ~850 | |
HJ-8L | | | U/N | |
HOT (missile) | France | | U/N | https://far-maroc.forumpro.fr/t1358-missiles-anti-char-des-far-moroccan-atgm HOT-1 and HOT-2 versions, mounted on Aérospatiale Gazelle |
HJ-9 | | | U/N | https://www.udefense.info/threads/%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B5%D8%A7%D8%B1%D9%88%D8%AE-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B5%D9%8A%D9%86%D9%8A-hj-9a-%D8%A8%D8%AD%D9%88%D8%B2%D8%A9-%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%82%D9%88%D8%A7%D8%AA-%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%85%D8%BA%D8%B1%D8%A8%D9%8A%D8%A9.19371/, seen in manoeuvres in the northern sector https://www.defense-arabic.com/2021/07/05/%D8%B8%D9%87%D9%88%D8%B1-%D9%86%D8%B8%D8%A7%D9%85-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B5%D9%88%D8%A7%D8%B1%D9%8A%D8%AE-%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%85%D8%B6%D8%A7%D8%AF%D8%A9-%D9%84%D9%84%D8%AF%D8%A8%D8%A7%D8%A8%D8%A7%D8%AA-hj-9a/ |
M47 Dragon | United States | | 440 Launchers | Large stock of missiles http://www.military-today.com/missiles/m47_dragon.htm |
9M14 Malyutka | | | 50 | |
Cobra (missile) | | | ~250 | Used on the UR-416 APC https://far-maroc.forumpro.fr/t3270-ur-416 |
LRAC-F1 | Shoulder-launched missile weapon | France | | 2000+ | |
APILAS | France | | 1000+ | |
Type 69 | Anti-tank rocket | | | | Bipod launcher |
RPG-7V | | | | [11] [12] |
AT4 | United States | | U/N | AT4CS version https://far-maroc.forumpro.fr/t837p60-armes-d-infanterie-chez-les-far-moroccan-small-arms-inventory |
M72 LAW | United States | | 500+ | |
M20 Super Bazooka | Anti-tank rocket | | | Limited use; obsolescent |
M901 ITV | Tank destroyer | | 105 | https://farmorocco.wordpress.com/royal-moroccan-army/equipment/apcsifvssuport-vehicles/ | |
Vehicles
Utility vehicles
The RMA's high-mobility multipurpose vehicles serves as cargo/troop carrier, weapons platform, and ambulance, among many other roles. 4000 HMMWV[13] in different versions, 1,200 URO VAMTACs and 800 URO VAM-TL[14] are part of RMAs inventory, which also includes various CUCVs. 378 GM Defense CUCVs (138 M1008, 188 M1009 and 52 M1028) and 278 M151s were received, and an unknown number of Santana Motor's Land Rover Model 88/106, Toyota FJ40, Jeep Auverland and Nissan Patrol ML-6 are also in service. An unknown number of ACMAT ALTV have also been purchased.[15]
Military logistics' missions are the storage, distribution, maintenance, evacuation, and disposition of materiel, the transport of personnel, the acquisition or construction, maintenance, operation, and disposition of facilities, the acquisition or furnishing of services and Medical and health service support. It is the most important part and considered the base for the main mission of the RMA. Because of its topography and extensive range of action, the transport and resupply of troops posted in the Wall and East Frontier, where aerial transport is impossible or counterproductive, the use of land transport is primordial. The amount of active equipment is unknown, but estimations are possible. The number of medium and heavy trucks, HETs and Palletized Load Systems (PLS) purchased or in service were 250 IVECO M3-21.14 TT, ~3500 M35 and Variants, 387 M54 and variants, ~1,000 M800 series, 195 M816 Wrecker, ~160 M900 series, ~1000 TRM10000/9000 BMH, 600 ACMAT VLRA and 92 Tata LPTA 2445.[16] An unknown number of Pegaso 3055, Mercedes-Benz Actros and Unimog are also in RMA's inventory. The Heavy Equipment Transport Systems (HETS) received were an unknown number of M746, 6 M747, 23 M1070, 133 M911 HETS and 100 IVECO TRACTOR. Two M1075 & M1076 Palletized load systems were also purchased.
Armoured recovery vehicles (ARV) are used to repair damaged as well as broken-down armoured vehicles during combat, or to tow them out of the danger zone for more extensive repairs. For this mission 86 M578, 10 SK-105 ARV, 4 VT1A ARV and 81 M88 Recovery Vehicles were acquired.
Military engineering vehicles are vehicles built for the construction work or for the transportation of combat engineers on the battlefield. Bulldozers are extensively used, all along with 6 M728 Combat Engineer Vehicle.[17]
Tanks
Around 1100 tanks are in service: 150 VT-1A, 222 M1A1SA & 162 M1A2M, 148 T-72B and 427 M60A3/A3TTS Patton. M48 Pattons were retired from active service and stored as reserve with the 1991 cease-fire, the SK-105 Kürassiers had the same fate. It was reported in December 2022 that Morocco was transferring T-72s to Ukraine.[18]
Armoured personnel carriers, infantry fighting vehicles and support vehicles
Model | Image | Origin | Type | Quantity | Notes |
---|
Armoured personnel carriers/Infantry fighting vehicles |
---|
Bradley Fighting Vehicle | | United States | Infantry fighting vehicle | <500 https://lecollimateur.ma/128338http://ledesk.ma/enoff/des-missiles-antichars-americains-tow-potentiellement-combines-a-des-blindes-bradley-pour-le-maroc/ | On-Point defense was contracted to supply TOW launchers and related equipment to the Bradley IFV for both Morocco and Ukraine. |
AIFV | | 110 | 19 AIFV-B-.50 + 90 AIFV-B-C25 + 1 AIFV-B-CP |
AMX-10P | | France | 10 | |
BMP-3 | | | 60 | https://fr.le360.ma/politique/les-far-acquierent-60-vehicules-de-combat-dinfanterie-bmp-3-aupres-de-la-russie-51049 |
Ratel IFV | | South Africa | 60 | 30 Ratel 20 + 30 Ratel 90 |
Eland armoured car | | South Africa | Reconnaissance | 60 | Eland 20/90 |
BRDM-2 | | | Amphibious armoured Scout car | U/N | |
AML 60/90 | | France | Light armored vehicle | 175 | 140 AML-90, 20 AML-90 Lynx and 35 AML-60 |
Panhard ERC | | France | Armored car (military) | U/N | |
M113 | | United States | ArmoredPersonnel Carrier
| ~1900[27] | 1200 M113A1, M113A2, 419 M113A3, 86 M577A2 (CP), 80 M901, 60 M163, 36 M106A2, 91 M1064A3 |
VAB VCI/VTT | | France | 400[28] | 75 VAB VCI+ 320 VAB VTT+ 5 more of unknown type,they had been modernised and upgraded locally under the name "ifrane". |
OT-64 SKOT | | | 95 | https://www.militaryfactory.com/armor/by-country.php?Nation=Morocco |
Thyssen Henschel UR-416 | | | 70 | https://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/morocco/army-equipment.htm |
Panhard M3 | | France | 54 | |
Ejder Yalçın | | | Armored car | 34 (30 procured from Turkey with the SERDAR RCWS, 4 were given from the UAE as a gift) | https://www.defensehere.com/en/report--morocco-looks-to-buy-ejder-yalcin-armored-vehicle |
Otokar Cobra | | | 220 (200 for the ground forces + 20 for peacekeepers) | Morocco purchased the Cobra II MRAP vehicles https://www.africaintelligence.fr/afrique-du-nord/2024/01/16/des-blindes-turcs-pour-les-casques-bleus-marocains,110146980-bre https://www.hespress.com/%D9%82%D9%88%D8%A7%D8%AA-%D8%AD%D9%81%D8%B8-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B3%D9%84%D8%A7%D9%85-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%AA%D8%A7%D8%A8%D8%B9%D8%A9-%D9%84%D9%84%D8%AC%D9%8A%D8%B4-%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%85%D8%BA%D8%B1%D8%A8%D9%8A-1298828.html?fbclid=IwAR1NE8g2Mhmdz_WV-mRD712k18wdx0z0u5wZ7gvUesZo_Sr9TPNHkZ5sqfw |
HMMWV | | United States | 4000[29] | all versions |
URO VAMTAC's | | | +1200 | locally assembled under the name Atlas |
Hawkei | | Australia | U/N | This armored vehicle appeared in a trailer for a movie that featured Moroccan military vehicles. |
Sherpa Light | | France | 36 | APC version ordered for CAESAR crews and special forces |
Cougar (MRAP) | | United States | U/N | as seen in the photo, Cougar 6x6 is in service, seen in a Chinese-Moroccan film |
Lenco BearCat | | United States | 88 | https://www.lencoarmor.com/lenco-latest/lenco-industries-completes-88-unit-morocco-tactical-vehicle-contract/ used by the auxiliary forces and peacekeeping forces |
Polaris RZR | | United States | Tactical vehicle | U/N | used by M-SOF. https://defense-arab.com/vb/threads/157605/ | |
Drones
Lately after the relations between Morocco and Israel were strengthened, many weapons were procured, including drones and loitering munitions
!Name!Type!Picture!Numbers!Origin!NotesIAI Harop | Loitering munition | | Large quantities, locally manufactured | | https://www.lopinion.ma/Armement-le-Maroc-s-equipe-de-drones-kamikazes-israeliens-pour-22-millions-de-dollars_a21358.html https://www.iai.co.il/morocco-israel https://medias24.com/2022/03/23/aeronautique-israel-aerospace-industries-sinstalle-au-maroc/ |
IAI Harpy | | Large quantities, locally manufactured | | https://www.defensa.com/africa-asia-pacifico/marruecos-encuentra-entre-operadores-uav-israeli-hermes-900 |
| | Large quantities, seen with the PULS MLRS, to be manufactured locally . | | https://www.defense-arabic.com/2023/05/20/%D8%B1%D8%A7%D8%AC%D9%85%D8%A7%D8%AA-puls-%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%85%D8%BA%D8%B1%D8%A8%D9%8A%D8%A9-%D9%85%D8%B2%D9%88%D8%AF%D8%A9-%D8%A8%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%AF%D8%B1%D9%88%D9%86%D8%A7%D8%AA-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%A7/ |
SpyX | | Seen in use by the Moroccan ground forces, manufactured locally . | | https://fr.hespress.com/319500-le-maroc-premier-acquereur-des-drones-kamikazes-israeliens-spyx.html |
Hero drone | | Reported to have been exported to Morocco | | https://www.defense-arabic.com/2021/11/26/%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%85%D8%BA%D8%B1%D8%A8-%D9%8A%D8%AD%D8%B5%D9%84-%D8%B9%D9%84%D9%89-%D8%AF%D8%B1%D9%88%D9%86%D8%A7%D8%AA-%D9%87%D8%AC%D9%88%D9%85%D9%8A%D8%A9-%D8%A5%D8%B3%D8%B1%D8%A7%D8%A6%D9%8A%D9%84/ |
Wander-B VTOL | Intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition, and reconnaissance | | Seen in use by Morocco, 150 in service | | https://ledesk.ma/2022/09/22/larmee-marocaine-expose-le-drone-wanderb-vtol-acquis-aupres-de-lisraelien-bluebird/ |
Thunder-B VTOL | Intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition, and reconnaissance | | Seen in use by Morocco, 150 in service | | https://ledesk.ma/enoff/nouveau-deploiement-de-drones-israeliens-thunderb-par-le-maroc/ |
Thunder-B | Intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition, and reconnaissance | | Exported to Morocco | | https://fr.hespress.com/280890-le-maroc-acquiert-150-drones-wanderb-et-thunderb-a-lisraelien-bluebird.html | |
Artillery
The Artillery, grouped in GARs, includes self-propelled howitzers, towed howitzers, multiple launch rocket systems and air defense systems, mortar carriers are part of the RIMZ.
The equipment includes: 300+ 155mm M109 SPH in different versions, 60 203mm M110A2 SPH, received as EDA from USA, and 100 155mm Mk F3 remain in service. Only 155mm towed howitzers are deployed all along the Moroccan Wall, that includes 140 155mm (M198, FH-70, M-1950, M114), 18 130mm (M1954). Besides this 54 105mm (M101 and L118) are deployed in different regions.
2 Battalions of multiple launch rocket are also listed as part of RMAs inventory, the first with 36 122mm BM-21 and the second with 36 300mm AR2.
Self-propelled artilleryModel | Country of origin | Type | Quantity | Notes | Image |
---|
M109 | United States | Self-propelled howitzer | 357 | | |
2S19 Msta-S | | U/N | Rosoboronexport Deputy chief Viktor Komardin announced that Russia has delivered to Morocco a batch of Msta-S self-propelled howitzershttps://web.archive.org/web/20160916215506/http://tass.ru/en/russia/696492 | |
Mk F3 155 mm | France | 100 | https://histoire-militaire.pagesperso-orange.fr/infanterie/MkF3.htm. Locally modernized with new data links and new software and a new weapon system | |
CAESAR | 36 | [30] | |
M110 | United States | 60 | | |
Towed artillery |
---|
L118 | United Kingdom | Field gun | 36 | https://farmorocco.wordpress.com/royal-moroccan-army/equipment/artillery/ | |
M101 | United States | 58 | https://farmorocco.wordpress.com/royal-moroccan-army/equipment/artillery/ | |
130 mm towed field gun M1954 (M-46) | | 18 | https://farmorocco.wordpress.com/royal-moroccan-army/equipment/artillery/ | |
FH70 | United Kingdom | Howitzer | 36 | https://farmorocco.wordpress.com/royal-moroccan-army/equipment/artillery/ | |
M114 | United States | 123 | https://farmorocco.wordpress.com/royal-moroccan-army/equipment/artillery/ | |
M198 howitzer | 35 | https://farmorocco.wordpress.com/royal-moroccan-army/equipment/artillery/ | |
Rocket artillery |
---|
BM-21 | | Multiple rocket launcher | 36 | 122mm,[31] APR-21 Romanian version, still in service | |
M142 HIMARS | United States | 18 | a 524 million USD deal, along with munitions and related systems https://www.dsca.mil/press-media/major-arms-sales/morocco-high-mobility-artillery-rocket-systems-himars | |
PHL-03 | | China | 72 | 300mm, AR2 version with a range of 140 km, 1m CEP https://medias24.com/2015/08/17/defense-le-maroc-desormais-equipe-en-lance-roquettes-de-tres-longue-portee/ | |
Lynx (multiple rocket launcher) | | >36 | 300mm, PULS variant with a range of 300 km https://lecollimateur.ma/119789https://ledesk.ma/enoff/un-contrat-de-150-m-pour-les-lance-missiles-puls-delbit-systems-destines-au-maroc/ | |
Astros II | | U/N | 450mm https://lareleve.ma/97365/ | |
Weishi Rockets | | 36 | 400mm https://www.assahafa.com/%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%AC%D9%8A%D8%B4-%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%85%D8%BA%D8%B1%D8%A8%D9%8A-%D9%8A%D8%AA%D8%B3%D9%84%D9%85-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%AF%D9%81%D8%B9%D8%A9-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%A3%D9%88%D9%84%D9%89-%D9%85%D9%86-%D8%B5/ https://www.armyrecognition.com/february_2018_global_defense_security_army_news_industry/chinese_ws-2d_rocket_launchers_for_morocco.html WS-2D version with a range of 400 km | |
Ballistic missiles |
---|
Predator Hawk | | Short-range ballistic missile | 300 km | Predator Hawk was officially confirmed when it appeared with the moroccan PULS MLRS https://www.atalayar.com/fr/articulo/politique/le-maroc-renforce-son-armement-militaire-avec-le-lance-missiles-israelien-puls/20230330173200182396.html | |
LORA (missile) | | Short-range ballistic missile | 430 km https://www.iai.co.il/p/lora | Shai Cohen, the Special Envoy, Defense and Security Exports & Cooperation director, announced that Israel gave morocco all kinds of ballistic technology https://www.maghress.com/alayam24/431996 | |
MGM-140 ATACMS | United States | Tactical ballistic missile | 300 km | Morocco purchased 40 M57 ATACMS with a range of 300 km, along with the HIMARS system https://www.dsca.mil/press-media/major-arms-sales/morocco-high-mobility-artillery-rocket-systems-himars | |
Cruise missiles |
---|
Sea Breaker (missile) | | Cruise missile | 300 km | Was purchased to guarantee the safety of his coasts https://www.bladi.net/maroc-missiles-israeliens-controle-detroit,88820.html | |
Delilah (missile) | | Air-launched cruise missile | 250 km | Used on the F-5E TII/III platforms https://fr.le360.ma/politique/acquisition-par-le-maroc-des-redoutables-missiles-delilah-de-lisraelien-elbit-le-contrat-se-precise_QJJMGPNRS5HYVP7VATCUJQFXMU/https://ledesk.ma/encontinu/le-maroc-negocie-lachat-de-missiles-de-croisiere-israeliens-pour-ses-f-5/https://www.bladi.net/maroc-missile-israelien-delilah,94209.html | |
Harpoon (missile) | United States | Air-launched cruise missile | 124 km | Used on the F-16C/Dhttps://www.dsca.mil/press-media/major-arms-sales/morocco-agm-84l-harpoon-air-launched-block-ii-missiles | |
AGM-154 Joint Standoff Weapon | United States | Air-launched cruise missile | 130 km | Morocco purchased the JSOW-C variant, to be used on the F-16C/Dhttps://www.dsca.mil/press-media/major-arms-sales/morocco-joint-stand-weapons-jsow | |
YJ-12 | | Anti-ship cruise missile | 300 km | Defensa reported that Morocco is in negotiations for the YJ-12B AShCM https://rue20.com/747596.html | |
Self-propelled mortar |
---|
M125A1 | United States | Mortar carrier | 20 | With an 81 mm M29 mortar | |
M1064 | 91 | | |
AML-60 | France | 35 | With a Brandt Mle CM60A1 | | |
Air defense systems
After years of negligence of its air defense capabilities Morocco shifted its air defense strategy, investing heavily in new air defense bases and systems.[32]
Morocco has been slowly building a multi-layered air defense system consisting of HIMAD and SHORAD systems in order to give Moroccan air space maximum protection.[33]
Moroccan air defense system consists of the newly acquired advanced long range Chinese HIMAD systems the FD-2000B with a maximum range of 250 km range,[34] the Chinese Sky Dragon 50 with a maximum range of 50 km,[32] the Barak 8 MX with multiple layers of coverage (35–150 km), and the American Patriot PAC-3 MSE with a range of 60 km against ballistic missiles
The man-portable air-defense systems used by the infantry are the 9K32 "Strela-2" (SA-7 Grail), 9K38 "Igla" (SA-18 Grouse).
Other systems include AAG as M1939 (61-K), ZU-23-2 or M167 VADS, usually mounted on LUVs and CUCVs.
This list shows only the publicly-known air defenses.
Model | Origin | Type | | Notes | Image |
---|
Surface-to-air missiles |
---|
HQ-9B | China | HIMAD | 4 batteries, | FD-2000B variant, each of the 4 batteries consists of 6-8 transporter erector launchers,[35] maximum range: 250 km | |
Barak 8 | Israel India | >6 batteries | https://ledesk.ma/enoff/un-accord-israelo-marocain-de-500-m-sur-le-systeme-de-defense-antimissile-barak-mx/, the version ordered is the Barak MX, with a range up to 150 km | |
MIM-104 Patriot | United States | Unknown | The type will be PAC-3 MSE standard. | |
Sky Dragon 50 | China | >7 batteries | https://www.menadefense.net/afnord/apparition-du-sky-dragon-50-au-maroc/. 50 km range, IBIS 200 radar with a range of 200 km | |
MICA | France | SHORAD | 4-6 batteries | Each of the batteries will consist of four to six launcher units [36] [37] all received | |
SPYDER | Israel | U/N | Defensa cited that Morocco has chosen the SPYDER AD https://fr.hespress.com/306809-spyder-un-systeme-de-defense-aerienne-dans-le-viseur-du-maroc.html | |
Aster (missile family) | France Italy | | Used in the FREMM multipurpose frigate, has a range of above 30 km, Aster 15 variant | |
Aspide | France | | Used in the Descubierta-class corvette, 25 km range, ordered between 1977 and 1983 | |
Crotale | France | | (Crotale NG and Mk.3)https://www.lemonde.fr/archives/article/1978/05/11/la-france-livrera-au-maroc-un-systeme-de-defense-antiaerienne_2980716_1819218.html | |
Mistral (missile) | France | | https://lecollimateur.ma/30916 Mistral 3 version, will be used on the Sherpa Light APC | |
MIM-72 Chaparral | United States | 72 vehicles, 504 missiles | Unknown | |
9K32 Strela-2 | | MANPADS | | U/N | |
9K38 Igla | | | U/N | |
Self-propelled anti-aircraft weapons |
---|
Tunguska M1 | | Self-propelled anti-aircraft gun | 12 batteries, 72 vehicles | 2K22M1 version | |
ZU-23-4 | | 100 | ZU-23-4 | |
M163 | United States | 115 | | |
Anti-aircraft guns |
---|
ZPU | | Anti-aircraft gun | Large quantities | ZPU-2 ZPU-4
| |
ZU-23-2 | | Anti-aircraft gun | Large quantities | | |
M167 VADS
| United States | 72 | | |
Type 90 | China | 12 batteries | | | |
Radars
Electronic Warfare
N.B : this list does not contain all EW systems used by Morocco
Notes and References
- http://www.dsca.mil/programs/eda Excess Defense Articles (EDA) Database
- https://www.unroca.org/
- Web site: Morocco . 2 March 2014 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20150617081928/http://www.inss.org.il/upload/(FILE)1311071599.pdf . 17 June 2015 .
- http://worldinventory.googlepages.com/wiw_af_morocco wiw_af_morocco – worldinventory
- http://armstrade.sipri.org/armstrade/page/trade_register.php Trade Registers
- http://csis.org/files/media/csis/pubs/me_mb_assess.pdf The Military Balance in the Middle East – February 19, 2004
- Web site: Morocco Telegraph | the Moroccan army is changing its uniform to a modern one . 13 July 2021 .
- https://web.archive.org/web/20100212105042/http://sites.google.com/site/worldinventory/wiw_af_morocco. 2010-02-12. Archived from the original on 12 February 2010. Retrieved 1/12/2024.
- Morocco, Spain, Portugal, France, Chile, Brazil = MK47 Auto Grenade Launcher http://www.pmddtc.state.gov/reports/congnotify_111.html
- http://defense-update.com/products/m/metis_m_31122010.html KBP Metis M/ M1 AT Guided Missile
- Jones, Richard D. Jane's Infantry Weapons 2008–09. Jane's Information Group; 34 edition (2008).
- Jones, Richard D. Jane's Infantry Weapons 2009/2010. Jane's Information Group; 35 edition (27 January 2009). .
- Web site: Excess Defense Articles (EDA) | Defense Security Cooperation Agency.
- News: España vende a Rabat 1.200 blindados como los usados en Afganistán España EL PAÍS. El País. 5 February 2007. Cembrero. Ignacio.
- Web site: Vlra2 Bastion . 2 March 2014 . 28 February 2014 . https://web.archive.org/web/20140228060831/http://www.alm-acmat.com/article-eurosatory-2012-acmat-etoffe-son-offre-106684216.html . dead .
- Web site: 2023-01-17 . Moroccan Army Receives TATA Trucks TURDEF . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20240616025933/https://turdef.com/article/moroccan-army-receives-tata-trucks . 2024-06-16 . 2024-07-24 . turdef.com . en.
- http://www.dsca.mil/programs/eda/results.asp?CtryName=MOROCCO&FY=2005&IANAME=&TRANSTYPE= 2005 Excess Defence Articles for Morocco
- News: Morocco choose sides, supplies T-72B tanks to Ukraine . military.africa . Ekene . Lionel . 2022-12-19 . 2024-01-31.
- Web site: Morocco's armament raises concern in Spain The North Africa Post. 2021-02-09. northafricapost.com.
- Web site: 2021-01-30. Royal Moroccan Armed Forces. 2021-05-10. defenceWeb. en-ZA.
- Web site: Armor: Chinese Tanks In North Africa. 2021-02-09. www.strategypage.com.
- Web site: Armor: Chinese Tanks in North Africa.
- http://www4.janes.com/subscribe/jdw/doc_view.jsp?K2DocKey=/content1/janesdata/mags/jdw/history/jdw2012/jdw49361.htm@current&Prod_Name=JDW&QueryText= "The acquisition of the US and Chinese tanks will allow Morocco to retire much of its existing tank fleet" Janes Defence Weekly 2012/06/20
- https://www.un.org/ga/search/view_doc.asp?symbol=A/67/212 UN Register of Conventional Arms
- Web site: 2014-11-23. T-72 main battle tank (1972). 2020-06-06. Tank Encyclopedia. en-US.
- Web site: 2018-04-04. More upgraded Abrams tanks on the way to Morocco. 2021-05-27. defenceWeb. en-ZA.
- Web site: The Military Balance. 2021-12-29. IISS. en.
- Web site: 2011-06-13. Chars français - 1976 Renault VAB VCI. 2021-03-24. https://web.archive.org/web/20110613022842/http://www.chars-francais.net/new/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=50&Itemid=41. 13 June 2011.
- Web site: 2021-01-30. Royal Moroccan Armed Forces. 2021-11-23. defenceWeb. en-ZA.
- Web site: 2020-05-25. Morocco acquiring new air defence systems. 2021-01-14. defenceWeb. en-ZA.
- Web site: Nexter Caesar self propelled guns for Moroccan army. 2021-01-04. www.globaldefencemart.com.
- Web site: Defensa.com. 2021-12-19. Marruecos inaugura su primera base de defensa aérea de largo alcance con una batería china FD-2000B. 2021-12-24. www.defensa.com. es.
- Web site: 2021-12-21. Morocco Opens First Military Base with Chinese Air Defense. 2021-12-24. The Defense Post. en-US.
- Web site: China's FD-2000B air defense system will guard Moroccan base. 2021-12-24. bulgarianmilitary.com.
- Web site: FD-2000 long range air defense missile system technical data China Chinese army missile systems vehicles Chinese China army military equipment armoured UK. 2021-12-23. www.armyrecognition.com.
- Web site: 2020-06-04. Morocco To Acquire New Air Defense Systems. 2021-12-24. Defense.info. en-US.
- Web site: VL MICA Ground Based Air Defence, MICA Solution. 2021-12-24. MBDA. en-US.
- A AF902 Artillery fire control system and radar, part of a RMA convoy seen in Morocco http://farmorocco.wordpress.com/2013/10/28/confirmed-af902-fc535-mm-aa-gun-air-defence-system/
- Web site: GDC. 2021-06-23. Turkish Aselsan Inks $50.7 Million Export Deal With Morocco For Koral-EW. 2021-07-18. Global Defense Corp. en-US.
- Web site: Morocco signs $50.7 million deal with Turkey to acquire 'Koral Electronic Warfare System'. 2021-07-18. Assahifa.