US approves “Stinger” missile sale to Morocco

WASHINGTON, April 16 (YPA) – The US administration has approved the sale of 600 “Stinger” anti-aircraft missiles and related equipment to Morocco in a deal valued at $825 million, according to a report by Agence France-Presse.

The State Department had previously approved the sale of these missiles to Morocco, but the announcement issued by the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency provides the necessary notification to Congress to authorize the deal.

The US agency said in a statement that Morocco “intends to use this defense equipment and services to modernize its armed forces and expand its short-range air defense options,” adding that “this sale will enhance Morocco’s ability to meet current and future threats.”

 These missiles will also contribute to increasing the “operational interoperability” of the Moroccan military with the militaries of the United States and other allied countries, according to the statement.

The relations between Morocco and the United States grew closer during US President Donald Trump’s first term, when Washington recognized Rabat’s claim to sovereignty over the Western Sahara in 2020.

Last week, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio reiterated his country’s support for Morocco’s sovereignty over Western Sahara, a chronic source of contention between Rabat and Algeria, arguing that the conflict should be resolved solely on the basis of the Moroccan proposal.

The Trump administration said the proposed sale “is intended to support the foreign policy and national security of the United States by helping to enhance the security of a major non-NATO ally that continues to be an important force for political stability and economic progress in North Africa.”

YPA