Rabat is bolstering its defense capabilities with the integration of M1117 armored vehicles from U.S. military surplus, highlighting the close military partnership between Morocco and Washington.
According to defense sources, Morocco has recently added several hundred M1117 armored vehicles to its military arsenal. These vehicles come from surplus U.S. Army stocks and have already been spotted in public, according to online footage.
An official document from the U.S. Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program indicates that the Royal Armed Forces (FAR) inspected 597 units. Each vehicle underwent a thorough evaluation, including the opening and verification of essential compartments and components. Following this process, the FAR approved the full delivery of the armored vehicles.
The M1117, equipped with a turret mounting a 12.7 mm heavy machine gun and a 40 mm automatic grenade launcher, is considered suitable for security and patrol missions.
The U.S. document specifies that these vehicles will primarily be assigned to border surveillance duties. Their deployment aims to strengthen Morocco’s security framework and enhance regional stability amid ongoing cross-border threats.
This transfer underscores the strength of the military partnership between Rabat and Washington, based on security cooperation and the provision of modern equipment to Moroccan forces. For Rabat, the acquisition provides an additional tool to enhance territorial protection and control over sensitive areas.
MK/sf/lb/as/APA