Source: AFP/Yahoo news
Morocco took delivery on Thursday of a first batch of 24 F-16 fighter jets from the United States as part of its air force modernisation programme, a senior US officer said.
Four F-16s were delivered to Morocco, Major General Margaret Woodward of the US Air Force told reporters in the southern city of Marrakesh.
Another seven would be delivered at the beginning of 2012 and the remaining 13 in the following months, she added.
The 24 F-16s, the CD block 50-52 model, were among the most modern versions available, said Woodward.
The contract with the US, which includes the sale of equipment, services and pilot training, is worth an estimated $2.4 billion (1.7 billion euros).
The F-16s competed with the Rafale jet produced by France’s Dassault to win the Moroccan deal.
The Benguerir air base north of Marrakesh took delivery of the aircraft in a ceremony attended by senior officers of the Moroccan and US military, the MAP news agency reported.