Morocco Seeks to Procure AIM-9X-2 SIDEWINDER Missiles Worth $50 Million

An AIM-9X air-to-air missile mounted on a U.S. Navy F/A-18E. (Photo: US Navy)

14:08 GMT, May 19, 2011 WASHINGTON | On May 17, the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA)notified U.S. Congress of a possible Foreign Military Sale (FMS) to the Government of Morocco of 20 AIM-9X-2 SIDEWINDER missiles, as well as associated equipment, parts, training and logistical support for an estimated cost of $50 million.

The Government of Morocco has requested a possible sale of 20 AIM-9X-2 SIDEWINDER Missiles, 10 CATM-9X-2 Captive Air Training Missiles All-Up-Round Block II Missiles, 8 CATM-9X-2 Block II Missile Guidance Units, and 8 AIM-9X-2 Block II Tactical Guidance Units, 2 Dummy Air Training Missiles, containers, missile support and test equipment, provisioning, spare and repair parts, personnel training and training equipment, publications and technical data, U.S. Government and contractor technical assistance and other related logistics support. The estimated cost is $50 million.

The proposed sale will contribute to the foreign policy and national security objectives of the United States by supporting Morocco’s legitimate need for its own self-defense. Morocco is one of the most stable and pro-Western of the Arab states, and the U.S. remains committed to a long-term relationship with Morocco.

The Royal Moroccan Air Force is modernizing its fighter aircraft to better support its own air defense needs.

The proposed sale of AIM-9X missiles will greatly enhance Morocco’s interoperability with the U.S. andother NATO nations, making it a more valuable partner in an increasingly important area of the world.

The proposed sale of this weapon system will not alter the basic military balance in the region.

The prime contractor will be Raytheon Missile Systems Company in Tucson, Arizona. There are no known offset agreements in connection with this potential sale.

Implementation of this proposed sale will require travel of U.S. Government or contractor representatives to Morocco on a temporary basis for program technical support and management oversight.

There will be no adverse impact on U.S. defense readiness as a result of this proposed sale.

This notice of a potential sale is required by law and does not mean the sale has been concluded.