1. #901
    MVC Lid

    Reacties
    61
    01-12-2015

    Moroccan, US High Officials Hold Talks in Rabat to Boost Cooperation



    Rabat – Minister Delegate to the Head of Government for the Administration of National Defense, Abdeltif Loudyi, met Saturday in Rabat with a delegation of Senators and Representatives of the US Congress.

    The delegation is composed of Christopher Coons (Senator of Delaware), Gary Peters (Senator of Michigan), Bill Nelson (Senator of Florida) and Charlie Dent and Pat Meehan, Representatives of Pennsylvania.

    During this meeting, both parties expressed their satisfaction with the excellent age-old relations of friendship and multifaceted cooperation between Morocco and the United States, said a statement by the Administration of National Defense, adding that the US delegation welcomed Morocco’s efforts to strengthen military cooperation, which propel the Kingdom to the rank of Washington’s major allies outside NATO.

    Members of the US delegation expressed on this occasion, their admiration for the significant progress in the democratic transition and the impressive level of development achieved by Morocco in various fields under the leadership of HM the King, the same source added.

    They also highlighted the political and economic stability of the kingdom in an area exposed to multiple security challenges, and its important role in regional stability and security.

    The US delegation hailed the clear commitment of Morocco on several fronts to combat terrorism and violent extremism, and its fight for the promotion of the values of solidarity, freedom and peace in the world.

  2. #902
    MVC Lid

    Reacties
    61
    01-12-2015

    Moroccan M1 tanks in service



    Morocco’s military has introduced into service the first of its recently acquired M1A1SA (special armor) main battle tanks.

    At least two upgraded Abrams tanks were seen moving through Casablanca on 10 July. On 26 July the state-owned Medi1 television channel published images of the Royal Moroccan Armed Forces accepting the first Abrams in a ceremony at the Central Establishment for Management and Material Storage (ECGCM) near Casablanca. At least six tanks were visible.

    The ceremony on 26 July was attended by the Consul General of the United States, Moroccan military officials and representatives from the US military and General Dynamics Land Systems.

    The Royal Moroccan Army is set to receive 200 upgraded M1A1 tanks by 2018. In June 2012 the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency notified Congress of a possible Foreign Military Sale (FMS) to Morocco for enhancement and refurbishment of 200 M1A1 Abrams tanks and associated parts, equipment, logistical support and training for an estimated cost of $1.015 billion.

    On 28 August 2015 the US Army awarded General Dynamics a $17 million contract to remove and dispose of 50 M1A1 frontal armour packages and install the M1A1 situational awareness frontal turret armour packages for Morocco. Work was due to be completed by 30 November 2016.

    his contract was followed by another on 28 September last year for 150 upgraded M1A1s. General Dynamics Land Systems was awarded a $358 000 000 foreign military sales contract for the conversion of 150 M1A1 vehicles to the M1A1 special armour configuration. Estimated completion date of this contract is 28 February 2018.

    The M1A1 Special Armour (SA) configuration tanks are being provided as part of a grant Excess Defense Article (EDA). The upgrade covers the provision and installation of 150 AN/VRC-87E and 50 AN/VRC-89E Exportable Single Channel Ground and Airborne Radio Systems (SINCGARS), 200 M2 Chrysler Mount Machine Guns, and 400 7.62 mm M240 Machine Guns. The sale also included 12 049 842 ammunition rounds (including 1400 C785 SABOT, 1800 CA31 HEAT, and 5400 AA38 SLAP-T), 200 M250 Smoke Grenade Launchers, support equipment, spares and training.

    According to the World Defence Almanac 2015, Morocco’s tank inventory includes some 48 T-72s, 320 M60s (including 120 M60A3TTS), 184 M-48A5s (in storage) and 116 Austrian SK-105 Kürassier light tanks (also in storage). The sole African user of the Abrams up until now has been Egypt, which also co-produces the vehicle.

  3. #903
    MVC Lid

    Reacties
    61
    01-12-2015

    Morocco to receive laser rangefinders



    Morocco’s military is set to receive 172 laser rangefinders as part of a contract with Northrop Grumman.

    The United States Department of Defence (DoD) recently announced the $8 841 488 firm-fixed-price foreign military sales contract with Northrop Grumman for the 172 eyesafe laser rangefinders for Morocco, with an option for an additional 28 units.

    The US DoD said that one bid was solicited with one received, with an estimated completion date of 31 July 2018.

    Morocco recently ordered a large batch of radios from the United States. On 6 May the US Department of Defence announced that Harris Corporation had been awarded a $405 million foreign military sales contract for Morocco for Single Channel Ground and Airborne Radio Systems (SINCGARS). Completion date of the contract is 21 April 2024.

  4. #904
    Ars Amandi

    Reacties
    224
    20-08-2015

    Makes me feel much safer during my next holiday in Bled

    Amicus certus in re incerta cernitur.


    "The mind is an ocean of ideas I love to swim in"


  5. #905
    MVC Lid

    Reacties
    302
    21-05-2002

    Maar van al dit materieel, is er ook een deel van wat Marokko zelf maakt, of is het allemaal ingekocht?
    Bedoel er niets mee, gewoon uit nieuwsgierigheid.

  6. #906
    MVC Lid

    Reacties
    61
    01-12-2015

    Royal Moroccan Gendarmerie getting ready to secure Marrakech Cop 22:




    http://www.cop22-morocco.com/

  7. #907
    MVC Lid

    Reacties
    61
    01-12-2015

    Morocco Boosts Military with Electronic Warfare Gear from American Harris



    Rabat – The Royal Moroccan Air Force (RMAF) is receiving advanced electronic warfare threat protection systems from American Harris Corporation’s Electronic Systems, American-based news agency, United Press International (UPI), reported on Wednesday.

    UPI has revealed that the indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract has been issued by the U.S. Air Force’s Warner Robins Air Logistics Center. It acquisition involves the AN/ALQ-211 Advanced Integrated Defensive Electronic Warfare Suite, or AIDEWS, which is the only combat-ready electronic warfare system available to allied countries flying the favoured F-16 aircraft.

    President of Harris Electronic Systems, Edward J. Zoiss, says, “AIDEWS’ integrated radar warning and RF countermeasures defend against modern sophisticated electronic threats.” Zoiss adds that Harris is committed to supporting the RMAF’s pilots and “enabling their mission” with the addition of this system’s proven capabilities.

    Valued at USD $91 million, the contract includes provisions for spare parts as well as support equipment and services for the EW system.

    Over the past few years, Morocco has underpinned its military inventory by importing arms from the United States of America, Spain and Russia.

    In December 2015, Morocco World News reported that Morocco will be receiving 1,200 TOW 2a anti-tank missiles, at an estimated cost of $108 million, from American military defense company Raytheon. The missiles are part of a $7billion dollar effort by the U.S. to supply arms and aircraft to four of its Arab allies.

    Spanish newspaper, El Pais, reported last December that Morocco was the eighth importer of Spanish weapons in the first six months of 2016, this according to Spain’s report on the export of Defense and Dual-Use Material, conducted by Spain’s Ministry of Commerce.

    ---

    MELBOURNE, Fla., Jan. 11 (UPI) -- Harris Corporation is to supply advanced electronic warfare threat protection systems to the Royal Moroccan Air Force.

    The indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract was issued by the U.S. Air Force's Warner Robins Air Logistics Center and involves the AN/ALQ-211 Advanced Integrated Defensive Electronic Warfare Suite, or AIDEWS.

    AIDEWS is the only combat-ready electronic warfare system available to allied countries flying F-16 aircraft.

    "AIDEWS' integrated radar warning and RF countermeasures defend against modern sophisticated electronic threats," said Ed Zoiss, president, Harris Electronic Systems. "Harris is committed to rapidly fielding this proven capability to support the Royal Moroccan Air Force's pilots and enable their mission."

    The contract includes provisions for spare parts and support equipment and services for the EW system.

    The contract carries a value of $91 million.


    ---

    http://www.upi.com/Defense-News/2017...?spt=sec&or=bn

  8. #908
    MVC Lid

    Reacties
    61
    01-12-2015

    Plans set for Flintlock 2017 exercise Military



    officers from across Africa, North America and Europe finalized plans for Flintlock 2017, AFRICOM’s annual exercise for Special Operations Forces, to be hosted by seven African nations starting in late February.

    Flintlock will bring together approximately 2,000 service members from more than 20 African, European and North American partner nations. The Flintlock exercise series is U.S. Africa Command's premier Special Operations Forces training event and will be hosted by Burkina Faso, Chad, Cameroon, Niger, Mauritania, Morocco and Tunisia.

    The three-week exercise is designed to strengthen the ability of key partner nations in the region to protect their borders and provide security for their people. Additionally, the exercise bolsters partnerships between African, European and North American Special Operations Forces increasing their ability to work together in response to future crises.

    “This is a tremendous opportunity for our nation’s military to strengthen our relationship with our neighbors,” said Chad Army Brig. Gen. Zakaria Ngobongue, the Flintlock exercise director. “It is also a chance for us to be involved in the community during civil military outreach events involving medical and veterinary services.” (translated from French)

    As home to the exercise’s multinational headquarters, Chad will host more than 800 service members from more than 20 nations.

    “This years’ exercise is the most robust and diverse we have planned,” explained U.S. Army Col. Kelly Smith, the Special Operations Command - Forward North and West Africa commander and exercise director for American forces. “African partner nations have seen the value in this type of regional approach. Combatting the spread of violent extremism and protecting the population requires the type of comprehensive, multi-national approach Flintlock is designed to foster.”

    While primarily focused on military training, Flintlock will also feature several humanitarian, medical and veterinarian outreach events in local communities across Chad and other host countries. During the planning conference, U.S. and Chadian officials were able to also celebrate the completion of a small training building and an additional parking ramp for transport aircraft to support the exercise.

    “This is the third time Chad has hosted the Flintlock exercise. With multiple hosts, this year will truly test our ability to coordinate across borders,” added Ngobongue. (translated from French)

    Participating nations are scheduled to include Algeria, Burkina Faso, Cabo Verde, Cameroon, Chad, Mauritania, Morocco, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Tunisia, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, The Netherlands, Norway, Spain, United Kingdom and the United States.

    http://www.defenceweb.co.za/index.ph...ace&Itemid=111

  9. #909
    MVC Lid

    Reacties
    61
    01-12-2015

    HNDGS Chief Official Visit to Morocco



    On Wednesday 1 February 2017, the HNDGS Chief, Admiral Evangelos Apostolakis HN, paying an official visit to Morocco, laid a wreath at the Mausoleum of Mohammed V and then he met with the Moroccan Minister Delegate for the Administration of National Defense, Mr. Abdellatif Loudiyi

    After the official welcoming ceremony, the HNDGS Chief met and awarded commemorative badges to members of the Royal Moroccan Armed Forces, who have attended military academic institutions in Greece.

    During the bilateral talks, with the Deputy Inspector General, General El Houssine Aouad, given the absence abroad of the Inspector General, General Abdelfatah Louarak, they discussed about the current security environment. They also brought up issues of establishing a framework of bilateral Armed Forces cooperation in the fields of operational and individual training as well as information sharing. The Inspector of the Royal Air Force, Lt General El Abed Alaoui Bouhamid and the Inspector General of the Navy, Rear Admiral Mostafa El Alami also participated in the talks.

    Then, the HNDGS Chief visited the 1st Parachute Brigade located in Rabat, where he was briefed on the organization, mission and role.

    On Thursday 2 February 2016, the HNDGS Chief visited the Royal Moroccan Navy Base, located in Casablanca.

    During his stay in Rabat, the HNDGS Chief met with the Greek Ambassador, Mr Panagiotis Sarris and the representative of the Greek Community in Morocco, Mr. Konstantinos Pistikos, as well.

    http://www.geetha.mil.gr/en/news-sec...o-morocco.html

  10. #910
    MVC Lid

    Reacties
    61
    01-12-2015

    Multi Cooperative Exercice 2017 - EUROMARFOR

    MARCH 08, 2017
    MCE 17 MAIN PLANNING CONFERENCE


    The Multi-Cooperative Exercise 2017 (MCE 17) is a maritime live activity organized by EUROMARFOR and the Royal Moroccan Navy with the purpose to demonstrate the willingness to close relationship among Nations enhancing cooperation in maritime security.

    The meeting has developed the conditions to employ a maritime force composed by ships, helicopters and specialists teams to conduct activities useful to improve mutual confidence, capabilities and best practices along with a fruitful dialogue and cooperation in the framework of maritime security and stability.

    The activity will be conducted in Casablanca and the Atlantic Ocean along the Moroccan coastline.

    https://www.euromarfor.org/article/1/458

  11. #911
    MVC Lid

    Reacties
    61
    01-12-2015

    Morocco To Receive 317 AIM-9X Block II Sidewinder Missiles from US Company



    American military defense company, Raytheon, will supply Morocco with 317 AIM-9X Block II Sidewinder missiles and 199 Block II captive air-training missiles, used during military exercises, American-based news agency, United Press International (UPI), reported on Tuesday.

    Raytheon has received a $199 million contract modification to provide 317 AIM-9X Block II Sidewinder missiles and 199 Block II to the U.S. Navy and several of the branch’s allied armed forces.

    Sidewinder missiles are infrared-tracking weapons used for short-range air-to-air and air-to-ground combat, UPI explained. The munitions have been integrated into F-15, F-16, and F/A-18 aircraft.

    The same source said that Raytheon will deliver spares and supporting equipment to its foreign customers.

    Raytheon’s work, which is expected to be finished by March 2020, will take place at the company’s facility in Tucson, Arizona and in several other locations, including Canada, California, Connecticut, Ohio and Alabama.

    Besides the findings of U.S Navy and U.S. Air Forces, Raytheon received all funding at the time of the contract award, which is comprised of sales to Morocco, Indonesia, the Netherlands, Taiwan, Romania, Poland, Saudi Arabia, Belgium, Turkey, Switzerland, South Korea, Norway, Japan, Denmark, Finland, Israel and Singapore.

    Over the past few years, Morocco has underpinned its military inventory by importing arms from the United States of America, Spain and Russia.

    In 2015, it was reported that Morocco will be receiving 1,200 TOW 2a anti-tank missiles, at an estimated cost of $108 million, from American military defense company Raytheon. The missiles are part of a $7billion dollar effort by the U.S. to supply arms and aircraft to four of its Arab allies.

    Spanish newspaper, El Pais, reported in late 2016 that Morocco was the eighth importer of Spanish weapons in the first six months of 2016. This is according to Spain’s report on the export of Defense and Dual-Use Material, conducted by Spain’s Ministry of Commerce.

    https://www.moroccoworldnews.com/201...es-us-company/

  12. #912
    MVC Lid

    Reacties
    61
    01-12-2015

    FASTEUR Completes First Exercise in AFRICOM

    This story was written by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Russell Ryne Rhodes Jr., Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe and Africa/U.S. 6th Fleet Public Affairs

    By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Russell Ryne Rhodes Jr., Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe and Africa/U.S. 6th Fleet Public Affairs

    RABAT, Morocco (NNS) -- Marines from Alpha Company 1st Platoon of Fleet Anti-Terrorism Security Team Company Europe (FASTEUR) completed the first embassy engagement training exercise in the U.S. Africa Command area of responsibility in Rabat, Morocco May 26, 2017.

    During the training engagement, FASTEUR trained with Moroccan police and the embassy's Local Guard Force during live fire exercises, defensive tactics and medical techniques training.

    Embassy training engagements like these are held to prepare for a coordinated response to an unforeseen emergency, and Morocco's on-going partnership with the United States made it an ideal environment for FASTEUR to strengthen interoperability with the host nation security, locally employed guard force, Department of State and other Embassy staff.

    Quotes:

    "It's been a year and a half workup watching my Marines grow; watching their performance and their ability to see first-hand being in an embassy and getting the realism of a full-fledged supported embassy staff to support the exercise just made the exercise go over the top and their performance was nothing less than exemplary."
    -Capt. Jacob Fernandez, Alpha Company 1st Platoon Commander, FASTEUR

    "I think that as much as we can do table top exercises, that's essential, but you really can't replace exercises in which everybody has to jump up from their desks and go through the motions, go to where they need to go, try to keep communication lines open, try to understand as things are going off around you how you would react. The FAST team being here offered us that opportunity. There were a lot of lessons learned. Every time we do this it gives us an opportunity to improve the game and that's what we're looking for. The FAST team gave us an extra level of sophistication that we don't normally have in these kinds of exercises."

    -Stephanie Miley, Charge d'Affaires, U.S. Mission to Morocco

    Quick Facts:

    * This is the first time FASTEUR is working in Rabat for this type of exercise.

    * Embassy engagement exercises allow Embassy staff members the opportunity to see the support FASTEUR would provide in an emergency and FASTEUR gains direct knowledge of how an embassy functions, which improves their capability for response and protection.

    http://www.c6f.navy.mil/news/fasteur...ercise-africom









    http://www.c6f.navy.mil/news/fasteur...ercise-africom

  13. #913
    MVC Lid

    Reacties
    61
    01-12-2015

    Kentucky Air Guard trains with troops from 11 nations in Morocco for African Lion

    NAVAL STATION ROTA, SPAIN
    06.09.2017
    Story by Master Sgt. Philip Speck
    123rd Airlift Wing Public Affairs
    Subscribe 7
    More than 75 Airmen from the Kentucky Air National Guard deployed to Spain and Morocco this spring for African Lion, a multinational exercise that tested the interoperability of military troops from 11 countries.

    Members of the 123rd Airlift Wing and three of the unit’s C-130 aircraft joined forces with Airmen from U.S. Air Forces in Europe, U.S. Air Force Global Strike Command, Air Forces Africa joint tactical air controllers, the Utah Air National Guard, the Royal Moroccan Armed Forces and troops from nine other nations.

    “Multinational exercises give us an opportunity to train together, allow us to support joint and total forces and strengthen our skills for future operations,” said Lt. Col. Jason Johnson, U.S. Air Force lead commander for the exercise, which ran from April 19 to 28.

    The U.S. Air Force’s participation in the U.S. Marine Corps-led exercise provided several joint training opportunities for U.S. military branches and Moroccan forces, according to said Capt. Tristan Stonger, 123rd Airlift Wing exercise project officer. It also provided an opportunity to reinforce lessons learned from past African Lion exercises and helped build upon a foundation for future military cooperation and engagements.

    “Working in a new environment with other U.S. military branches and the Moroccans gives us the opportunity to hone and refine our skills and enhances our professional relationships, allowing us to support the interoperability of forces,” Stonger said.

    In addition to building relationships between the branches of the military and the Kingdom of Morocco, the wing was able to perform several different training scenarios to prepare for future deployments, including low-level air drops and low-level navigation through the mountains of North Africa.

    “This type of training helps keep our aircrews current and fully prepared and trained for any type of airlift operation that our nation calls for,” said Maj. Penn Brown, a pilot for Kentucky’s 165th Airlift Squadron.

    This annually scheduled, combined multilateral exercise aims to improve interoperability and mutual understanding of each nation’s tactics, techniques and procedures while demonstrating the strong bond between the nations’ militaries. In addition to forces from the United States and Morocco, other participating nations were Germany, Senegal, Mauritania, Canada, France, Spain, Great Britain, Mali and Tunisia.

    https://www.dvidshub.net/news/237033...o-african-lion

  14. #914
    MVC Lid

    Reacties
    61
    01-12-2015

    Morocco deploys new Saab underwater robotic vehicle

    RABAT, June 16, 2017

    Saab Seaeye, one of the world’s leading underwater e-robotics companies based in Sweden, said it has delivered its Falcon underwater robotic vehicle to The Royal Moroccan Gendarmerie for dealing with emergencies.

    The Falcon is a small, yet powerful resource for rapid deployment from a small boat or rigid-inflatable boat (RIB) and can accommodate an array of search and recovery systems, said the company in a statement.

    The equipment provided for the Falcon was arranged by Saab Seaeye’s Spanish distributor, Casco Antiguo, and includes: high definition video camera, scanning sonar, MicronNav system for tracking in very shallow water, a sample scoop, five-function manipulator and rope cutter, it stated.

    It will be deployed along Morocco’s 2000-km-long coastline and in the country’s many inland lakes, said The Royal Moroccan Gendarmerie, which comes under the authority of the Ministry of Defence.

    Its proven virtues have appealed to other emergency and law enforcement services around the world, including operating reliably in some of the most demanding environments on the planet, from extreme heat to under ice, and from deep tunnel investigations to overcoming strong currents and tides, it stated.

    The best part is that in strong currents the Falcon can manoeuver with precision and remain steady on task, whilst also fitted with a variety of tooling, cameras and sonar equipment. It can also work in confined spaces, in darkness and tirelessly for hours at a time, said the statement from the The Royal Moroccan Gendarmerie.

    This capability comes from having five powerful thrusters and an intelligent distributed control system that helps maintain stability in turbulent waters, it added.

    According to Saab Seaeye, the Falcon can go places too hazardous for diving operations and where the depth of water and strength of current are too dangerous for divers to operate.

    But when divers are necessary, hazardous searches can be avoided and dive time reduced by first sending down the Falcon with its camera and high intensity lights to pinpoint what the diver cannot see and direct them to the location of interest, it stated.

    Once the diver is at work, the Falcon can keep a watchful eye over them for added safety, along with saving dive time by transporting tools back and forth, it added.

    http://www.seaeye.com/whatsnew.html