Morocco orders French Caracal helicopters to boost military aviation

Morocco is expanding its military aviation capabilities through the acquisition of 10 H225M Caracal helicopters manufactured by Airbus Helicopters. According to the French Ministry of the Armed Forces' annual arms export report, this deal is one of the most significant French contracts implemented in 2025.

The Caracal helicopters are designed for long-range military transport, combat search and rescue, troop transport, and special operations. This acquisition complements Morocco's ongoing modernization of its Royal Moroccan Air Force, which includes the integration of American AH-64E Apache attack helicopters. Morocco has already received 13 of the 24 ordered Apaches, with a second batch of seven scheduled for delivery in May 2026.

This procurement highlights the strengthening defense relationship between Rabat and Paris. Over the last decade, Moroccan orders from French military industries have exceeded 1.3 billion euros, with 2025 alone seeing record orders totaling more than 532 million euros. This surge in defense spending occurs amid a global increase in military demand driven by geopolitical tensions.