In a new step reflecting the continued modernization of the Kingdom’s military arsenal, Airbus announced that its subsidiary, Airbus Helicopters, in Dubai, signed a contract with Morocco to acquire ten H225M helicopters for the Royal Air Force.

The company explained in its statement that these modern helicopters “will be equipped for combat search and rescue missions, and will be operated by the Royal Air Force, to replace the current Puma helicopters that have spent more than 40 years in service.”

Comprehensive update

In his analysis of the background of this deal, Mohammed Chaqir, a researcher in security and military affairs, placed this decision in the context of comprehensive modernization, stating: “This step falls within the framework of what can be called the renewal of the helicopter fleet that Morocco owns; in this framework, it is trying to replace the old helicopters with these new helicopters, which are naturally characterized by a set of advantages, whether in rescue operations or others.”

Chaqir added, explaining the strategic dimension of the deal in a statement to Hespress: “This therefore falls within the framework of Morocco’s general policy of arming itself, whether through the renewal of some military equipment, or the acquisition of the latest military equipment, especially with regard to the air domain. Accordingly, these helicopters, in addition to the acquisition of Apache helicopters and others, naturally fall within this framework as well.”

For his part, political analyst and international crisis management expert Al-Buraq Shadi Abdel Salam provided a detailed analysis of the dimensions of this deal, stressing at the beginning of his speech that “the Kingdom of Morocco’s receipt of 10 Airbus H225M multi-mission helicopters falls within the framework of the actual and precise implementation by the General Command of the Royal Armed Forces of the enlightened royal vision of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, Supreme Commander and Chief of the General Staff of the Royal Armed Forces.”

Al-Buraq indicated, in a statement to Hespress, that this vision “aims to modernize and strengthen the armament, combat and operational capabilities of the Royal Armed Forces, and enhance their readiness to deter and confront various regional security threats and risks, in light of the major geopolitical challenges and changes that the world is witnessing.”

Regarding the diplomatic and security dimension of the deal, the same spokesperson explained that “the acquisition of Airbus H225M helicopters comes within the framework of the Kingdom’s policy of diversifying its strategic partnerships, including strong and effective relations with European partners.”

The same expert added: “This Moroccan approach supports the context of comprehensive defense cooperation aimed at maintaining regional stability, especially in strategic areas such as the African Sahel, the Sahara, and the Mediterranean coast. These helicopters contribute to strengthening the ability of the Royal Armed Forces and the Royal Gendarmerie to secure strategic interests and contribute to peace and security mechanisms in Africa, a pivotal role that is constantly emphasized in various regional and international strategic dialogue platforms.”

Strengthening regional security and defense

Regarding operational capabilities, Al-Buraq emphasized that “the acquisition of the advanced Airbus H225M support, search and rescue helicopter reflects the sovereign Moroccan decision to enhance the capabilities of the Royal Armed Forces, which contributes to strengthening regional security and defense.” He continued, explaining the technical advantages: “These advanced helicopters give Morocco a qualitative leap in its ability to carry out multi-mission operations, including military and security missions, such as combat search and rescue (CSAR), combating organized and transnational crime (including illegal immigration, human trafficking, terrorism, and smuggling), and humanitarian missions, such as medical evacuation, relief, and effective response to the consequences of climate risks.”

The same analyst also noted that “these helicopters, operated by the Royal Air Force and the Royal Gendarmerie, raise the level of support that can be provided to the various land and naval forces, and ensure the effectiveness of operations in the context of tactical maneuvers and the protection of personnel.”

In detailing the roles of the field helicopter, the spokesman indicated that it “is used to carry out large-scale logistical support operations, tactical transport of special forces, and the execution of focused missions that contribute to neutralizing threats and enhancing operational control, as well as its crucial role in securing advanced military installations and controlling borders,” describing it as a “force multiplier,” as he said: “This helicopter is a force multiplier thanks to its ability to provide rapid support and assistance in diverse weather conditions, making it effective in various combat and humanitarian scenarios; its inclusion also contributes to achieving operational flexibility and carrying out transport and support missions from close range or deep within the field.”

Al-Buraq continued his analysis by pointing to the implications of the future deal, stating: “This step reflects Morocco’s commitment to protecting its sovereignty and strengthening its role as a key player in the security and military equation in Africa, the Mediterranean region, and the Atlantic coast, thanks to a modern and robust air system.” He emphasized at the end of his statement that “the H225M helicopter deal indicates the confidence of allies and partners in the Kingdom, especially in the field of technology transfer and logistical support, which is embodied in the plan to establish a regional maintenance and repair center (MRO) within Morocco.” He concluded that “this center, which is scheduled to support the Airbus helicopter fleet operating with the Royal Air Force, the Royal Navy, and the Royal Gendarmerie, confirms the institutional and comprehensive nature of the modernization of the Kingdom’s air capabilities and strengthens its position as an effective and reliable regional power seeking to achieve strategic depth and operational sustainability for all its security and defense branches.”