Morocco Welcomes Newest AH-64E Apache Squadron, Boosting Military Capabilities
The Royal Air Force of Morocco has recently welcomed its second delivery of Boeing AH-64E Apache Guardian attack helicopters. This significant achievement underscores the Kingdom’s commitment to modernizing its aerial combat capabilities and enhancing the operational readiness of its armed forces.
Defense experts monitoring this acquisition have identified the newly delivered aircraft by their serial numbers ranging from 2407 to 2412, noting an organized sequencing pattern typical of phased deliveries under a structured government-to-government acquisition initiative.
This latest delivery follows the successful acceptance of the initial batch of six AH-64E Apaches in March 2025, celebrated during a ceremony that featured dignitaries like Abdellatif Loudiyi, Morocco’s Delegate Minister for National Defense Administration, General Mohammed Berrid, Inspector General of the Royal Armed Forces, General Michael Langley, Commander of U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM), and Amy Cotrone, Chargé d’Affaires at the U.S. Embassy in Rabat.
According to a statement from the Royal Armed Forces, the delivery aligns with Royal directives focused on modernizing military capabilities and fortifying defense structures, highlighting the robust strategic defense collaboration between Morocco and the United States.
This delivery is part of a June 2020 agreement with the U.S. Department of Defense for the procurement of 24 AH-64E Apache Guardian helicopters, which play a central role in Morocco’s extensive multi-billion-dollar initiative to upgrade its military assets across various branches.
Unmatched Combat Capabilities: A Comprehensive Strike System
The AH-64E Apache Guardian stands among the most advanced attack helicopters globally, merging formidable firepower with cutting-edge electronic systems. Equipped with a 30mm M230 chain gun, the aircraft can accurately target ground threats with high-explosive munitions at short to medium ranges. Its primary anti-armor weapon, the AGM-114 Hellfire laser-guided missile, boasts a range of approximately eight kilometers, allowing for standoff attacks on tanks and fortified positions beyond the reach of traditional ground-based defenses.
Additionally, the platform is capable of carrying Hydra 70 unguided rockets, along with various guided and unguided munitions, significantly enhancing its tactical flexibility across a range of battlefield scenarios.
Longbow Radar: A Tactical Advantage
The defining feature of the AH-64E variant is its integration of the AN/APG-78 Longbow Fire Control Radar, a sophisticated millimeter-wave system adept at detecting, classifying, and tracking both ground and aerial targets over extended distances, even in challenging weather conditions and complex terrains. This capability allows for the simultaneous tracking of multiple targets and precise real-time cueing of Hellfire missiles, providing an undeniable tactical advantage in modern high-intensity combat scenarios.
By fusing the Longbow radar with its advanced electro-optical and electronic sensor suite, the Apache Guardian enables coordinated mission planning and real-time communication with both ground and air units. This transformation establishes the helicopter as a fully integrated multi-role strike and reconnaissance platform, capable of sustained operations day and night, even under severely limited visibility conditions.
With this second batch of helicopters, Morocco’s Royal Air Force significantly enhances its close air support and offensive strike capabilities. As the Kingdom moves closer to realizing a complete fleet of 24 aircraft, the AH-64E acquisition promises to deliver one of the most formidable rotary-wing attack forces in North Africa, strengthening Morocco’s defense posture and its ability to address the complex and evolving security landscape of its region.
