Strengthening Air Defense Capabilities
The Royal Moroccan Air Force has recently received a second batch of the highly advanced AH-64E Apache Guardian attack helicopters, significantly bolstering the Kingdom's aerial offensive capabilities, as reported by the Defense Arabia news platform. Initially, Morocco acquired a total of 36 AH-64E Apache helicopters for an estimated $4.25 billion, with the first six delivered in March 2025. These dual-engine military helicopters are recognized for their operational effectiveness and are utilized by several countries including Egypt, Greece, Israel, the Netherlands, Japan, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and the United Kingdom.
The AH-64E Apache Guardian is hailed as the most lethal and battle-tested variant of the Boeing Apache series, serving as the primary attack helicopter for the U.S. Army. This formidable aircraft is equipped with a 30mm M230 chain gun located beneath its nose, designed to engage ground targets with high-explosive ammunition at both short and medium ranges, ensuring high precision in combat. Additionally, its primary anti-armor weapon, the AGM-114 Hellfire missile, boasts a range of approximately eight kilometers, allowing for standoff engagements against enemy tanks and fortified positions, effectively operating beyond the reach of most ground-based air defense systems.
Advanced Technological Features
One of the standout features of the AH-64E Apache Guardian is the AN/APG-78 Longbow fire control radar, which enables the helicopter to track up to 128 targets simultaneously, prioritizing the top 16 for engagement. This state-of-the-art millimeter-wave radar system can detect, classify, and monitor both ground and aerial targets over extended ranges, even in challenging weather conditions and complex terrains. The radar's capabilities facilitate the simultaneous tracking of multiple targets and allow for precise real-time cueing of Hellfire missiles, conferring a significant tactical advantage in modern, high-intensity combat scenarios.
Moreover, the integration of the Longbow radar with the aircraft's electro-optical and electronic sensor suite enhances coordinated mission planning and fosters real-time communication with both ground and air units. This transformation of the Apache Guardian into a fully integrated multi-role strike and reconnaissance platform enables it to conduct sustained operations around the clock, even under severely limited visibility conditions. As Morocco continues to enhance its military capabilities, the addition of these advanced Apache helicopters represents a crucial step in ensuring national security and defense readiness.
As reported by northafricapost.com.
