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Morocco is the first African country to acquire GBU-39/B smart bombs to enhance its air capabilities.
The U.S. Department of Defense (Pentagon) has notified Congress of a proposed sale of precision-guided GBU-39/B small diameter bombs to Morocco, as part of the growing military cooperation between Rabat and Washington. This initiative aims to enhance the operational capabilities of the Royal Moroccan Air Force and improve its readiness to face current and future security challenges.
According to a document published in the U.S. Federal Register, the proposed deal includes highly accurate air-to-ground munitions, each weighing approximately 250 pounds (about 113 kilograms). These are classified as modern smart munitions that utilize Global Positioning System (GPS) technology and inertial guidance systems, allowing for high precision targeting day and night and in various weather conditions.
Accurate Weapon with High Operational Efficiency
GBU-39/B bombs are part of a new generation of aerial munitions. They feature a compact design that allows fighter aircraft to carry a larger quantity compared to conventional heavy bombs, providing greater operational flexibility for air forces. Additionally, their deployable wings extend their glide range, enabling targets to be struck from safe distances, beyond the reach of some air defense systems.
Military experts assert that this type of weaponry enhances the concept of precision strikes with limited collateral damage, a crucial focus in modern military doctrines, especially in sensitive environments that require high control over the use of force.
A Weapon Used by Major Armies
The usage of GBU-39/B bombs is not limited to Morocco; this advanced ammunition is part of the arsenals of several of the world’s top-rated militaries. The United States, as the developer, extensively employs these in its air operations. Allied nations such as Israel, Australia, Italy, the Netherlands, Sweden, South Korea, and Saudi Arabia have also acquired them. Recently, Washington approved the sale of these munitions to other European countries, including Poland, Romania, and Norway, as part of efforts to strengthen its allies’ capabilities. The same bombs have been utilized in recent conflicts, reflecting their status as a standard weapon in modern air warfare.
Significant Importance for the Moroccan Military
For the Royal Armed Forces, these bombs represent a qualitative enhancement of air capabilities, increasing precision and deterrent power, and supporting Morocco’s ability to protect its airspace and address potential threats more efficiently. The integration of this weapon with Morocco’s available air platforms enhances interoperability with U.S. forces, solidifying the kingdom’s position as a reliable security partner in North Africa.
In this context, the U.S. Department of Defense emphasized that the deal will not alter the fundamental military balance in the region, considering that Morocco possesses the necessary technical and human skills to integrate this advanced equipment into its defense system without significant difficulties.
Political and Technological Confidence
Notably, the U.S. notice underscores Morocco’s classification as a major non-NATO ally and “a key player in political stability and economic progress in North Africa.” Washington believes Morocco is capable of providing a level of protection for sensitive military technology that meets the standards set within the United States, despite some components of the deal being classified as “sensitive.”
On the industrial front, the U.S. company Boeing, based in St. Louis, Missouri, has been designated as the main contractor to implement the deal.
With this step, Morocco continues to strengthen its defense capabilities with smart and advanced weapons, in line with a gradual modernization strategy, precise selection, and cohesion with its international partners, moving away from escalation or open arms races.
