For several years, Morocco has been steadily expanding its military arsenal, investing heavily in air, naval and land capabilities as part of a broader push to modernise its armed forces.
Rabat has consistently increased defence spending, viewing each new acquisition as a means of preparing for evolving regional security challenges. The latest arrival of American armored vehicles reflects this strategy.
The Royal Armed Forces have recently taken delivery of M1117 Armored Security Vehicles, once used by the United States military.
These vehicles, considered surplus in Washington, were transferred to Morocco after being judged too numerous and costly to maintain within the American fleet.
Before deployment, Moroccan military teams carried out detailed inspections of the vehicles, validating their readiness and operational condition.
The M1117s are already in circulation on Moroccan soil, with officials confirming they will be integrated into missions such as border security and convoy protection.
Unlike standard troop carriers, the M1117 combines mobility with significant firepower.
Each vehicle is fitted with a turret that mounts a 12.7mm heavy machine gun alongside a 40mm automatic grenade launcher.
This dual configuration allows for rapid response to multiple battlefield threats, from protecting convoys to monitoring sensitive areas.
The number of vehicles delivered remains uncertain. The online military platform Semper Supra, which is closely followed by defence analysts, noted the transfer but did not specify figures. A US Foreign Military Sales document, however, mentioned discussions involving up to 600 units for Morocco’s armed forces.
While this does not necessarily reflect the total delivered so far, it highlights the scale of negotiations surrounding the programme.
For Morocco, the acquisition marks another step in its ongoing modernisation efforts.
Following recent purchases of fighter aircraft and advanced drones, the inclusion of M1117s enhances the country’s ground operations by providing versatile and resilient assets capable of adapting to diverse terrains. Officials say the move underscores Rabat’s determination to anticipate regional uncertainties and equip its forces accordingly.
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