• Morocco to buy up to 600 FIM-92K Stinger missiles from U.S. defense firms
• Deal includes engineering, logistics, and technical support services
• Washington says sale will boost regional security and support a key non-NATO ally

The United States has approved a potential sale of 600 FIM-92K Stinger surface-to-air missiles and related equipment to Morocco in a deal worth an estimated $825 million. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) confirmed the decision in a statement released on April 15.

Morocco requested to purchase the missiles from U.S. defense contractors RTX Corporation and Lockheed Martin. The full package will include not just the weapons but also engineering services, logistical support, and technical assistance provided by the U.S. government and its contractors.

The DSCA said the sale fits within U.S. foreign policy goals and will help strengthen national security by improving the defense capabilities of a key non-NATO ally. Morocco continues to play a stabilizing role in North Africa, the agency noted.

According to the statement, “the proposed sale will improve Morocco’s capability to meet current and future threats,” without changing the basic military balance in the region.

The FIM-92K Stinger is a short-range, shoulder-fired missile system designed to take down low-flying aircraft such as helicopters and fighter jets. It uses a "fire-and-forget" guidance system, which allows the missile to lock onto a target and continue tracking it without further input from the operator. The system features a built-in target ID function, electronic control system, and a high-explosive warhead.