Boeing Apache, Turkish ATAK Compete in Moroccan Helicopter Program

Boeing AH-64 Apache helicopters and Turkish TAI T-129 ATAK helicopters are in fray for Moroccan helicopter program.

Morocco reportedly is in negotiations with American Boeing for the purchase of Apache AH-64 helicopters for its Armed Forces. The deal might have been sealed during a visit by Morocco’s chief of Staff Abdelfattah Lourak last April in Washington, le360 reported Sunday.

However, in June this year, the Royal Moroccan Royal Armed Forces was in negotiations for the purchase of T-129 ATAK helicopters from Turkey.

Morocco has traditionally preferred US for its helicopter requirement, although the Turkish T-129 ATAK helicopter, which is smaller, lighter and cheaper than its competitors Apache and Russian Mi-28 stand an equal chance.

Morocco is eyeing to strengthen its helicopter fleet which currently consists of reconnaissance and combat helicopters, mainly Gazelle, Bell 205 and Bell 206 and Chinooks.