Boeing Begins Production of The First AH-64E Apache Attack Helicopters For Morocco
Boeing announced last week in a press release that it had begun production of the first AH-64E Apache attack helicopters for Morocco. Production at Boeing’s Mesa plant in Arizona began as part of a 24 unit order for the Royal Moroccan Air Force (FAR).
“This is another step forward in our long partnership with the Kingdom of Morocco,” said Jeff Shockey, vice president, Global Sales and Marketing, Boeing Defense, Space & Security and Government Services. “Worldwide demand for the Apache is growing and we are proud to provide this best-in-class capability to Morocco.”
In 2019, the Moroccan government requested a $4.25 billion package from the US, which included 36 AH-64E Apache helicopters, 24 of which are definite and 12 of which are options, 79 T700-GE-701D engines, 18 AN/APG-78 “Longbow” fire control radars, 551 units (441 new orders, 110 optional) AGM-114R Hellfire missiles, 60 AGM-114L Hellfire missiles, 53 AIM-92 “Stinger” missiles, 5216 units 70mm diameter unguided rockets, simulators, communication, navigation, training equipment as well as testing, maintenance, support equipment and personnel training. The Moroccan government’s request was approved by the US State Department and Congress, and contracts were signed in June 2020.
In 2024, the Royal Moroccan Air Force hopes to receive the first of 24 AH-64E Apache helicopters, production of which has begun. It is anticipated that all helicopters will be delivered by the end of 2025. Parallel to this delivery schedule, the Royal Moroccan Air Force has been working to prepare the Khouribga military base for the arrival of the Apache fleets.
The Royal Moroccan Air Force currently operates a large fleet of helicopters, including the Alouette II, Aerospatiale SA-342 Gazelle, Agusta-Bell AB-206 Jet Ranger, AB-205A, Airbus H135, Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk, SA-330 Puma, and CH-47 Chinook. They do not, however, currently have a dedicated attack helicopter. The air force, which has previously attempted to close this gap with Aérospatiale Gazelle helicopters, will make a significant improvement with the deployment of the AH-64E Apache.