Salé, Morocco — October 29, 2026
Morocco has received six additional US-made AH-64E Apache attack helicopters, bringing the total delivered under its acquisition program to 19 out of 24 planned aircraft, according to recent reports citing the US Army’s Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF).
A reception ceremony took place on October 26 at the Royal Air Force’s First Air Base in Salé, near Rabat. The event was attended by US Army Major General Matthew W. Brown, commander of SETAF-AF, and senior officials from Morocco’s Royal Armed Forces.
The latest delivery represents the third batch of Apache helicopters received by Morocco under a foreign military sales agreement valued at nearly $1.3 billion.
Five helicopters remain to be delivered
With 19 aircraft now reportedly delivered, five remain under the planned order of 24 helicopters.
The AH-64E Apache is designed for attack and reconnaissance missions, providing support to ground forces and improving battlefield awareness. The aircraft is manufactured by Boeing and is operated by military forces in several countries.
Morocco’s acquisition program forms part of its broader efforts to modernize its armed forces and strengthen its military capabilities.
Morocco–US military cooperation
The latest delivery also highlights ongoing defense cooperation between Morocco and the United States.
According to US military officials, Moroccan and American pilots and ground personnel are expected to train together using the helicopters during future editions of African Lion, a major multinational military exercise held in Africa.
The cooperation is linked to the 2026–2036 Defense Cooperation Roadmap signed by the two countries in April 2026. The roadmap sets out priorities for military cooperation over the coming decade.
At the Salé ceremony, Major General Brown described the delivery as an important step in strengthening Morocco’s defense capabilities and supporting regional security.
A technical issue remains a separate question
The delivery comes as the US Army has reported transmission-related concerns involving some AH-64E Apache helicopters and ordered certain aircraft grounded for inspections, according to Stars and Stripes.
The available reports do not establish whether the concerns affect the helicopters delivered to Morocco. The status of the newly delivered aircraft should therefore be distinguished from the US Army’s inspection measures.
What happens next?
Morocco’s program calls for a total of 24 Apache helicopters. The remaining five deliveries will complete the planned number under the reported agreement.
The aircraft are also expected to support joint training and interoperability between Moroccan and US forces during future African Lion exercises.
The latest delivery marks another stage in Morocco’s military modernization program and its long-standing defense partnership with the United States.
Sources: Morocco World News, Hespress English, and Stars and Stripes, reporting published October 28, 2026.
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