F-16 Fighting Falcon News

July 24, 2008 (by Asif Shamim) - On July 9, the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) notified Congress of a possible Foreign Military Sale to Morocco of weapons and support equipment for the F-16 block 52 aircraft.
The Government of Morocco has requested a possible sale of:

• 30 AIM-120C-5 Advanced Medium Range Air-to Air Missiles (AMRAAM)
• 60 AIM-9M Sidewinder Missiles
• 20 AGM-88B/C HARM Missiles
• 8 AGM-65D/G Maverick Missiles
• 45 AGM-65H MAVERICK Missiles
• 50 Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM) tail kits (which include 20 GBU-31 for MK-82, 500 lb bomb, and 30 GBU-38, for MK-84, 2000 lb bomb); 20 GBU-24, PAVEWAY III kits; 50 GBU-10, PAVEWAY II kits
• 150 GBU-12, PAVEWAY II kits; 60 Enhanced GBU-12 PAVEWAY II bombs
• 300 MK-82 training bombs; 60,000 20mm training projectiles
• 4,000 ALE-47 self-protection chaff
• 4,000 ALE-47 self-protection flares and associated equipment and services

Also included are containers, bomb components, spare/repair parts, documentation, personnel and training, contractor technical and logistics personnel support. The estimated cost is $155 million.

The principle contractors will be.

• Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company, Fort Worth, Texas
• Lockheed Martin Missile and Fire Control, Dallas, Texas
• Boeing Integrated Defense Systems, Seattle, Washington
• Raytheon Missile Systems, Tucson, Arizona

The proposed sale will allow the Moroccan Air Force to modernize its aging fighter inventory, thereby enabling Morocco to support both its own air defense needs and coalition operations. Morocco is a Major Non-NATO ally.