Royal Moroccan Air Force - 1956 -1973
Summer is almost done and I finally get a few weeks off to complete models and do some airbrushing after one of the busiest Wargame holiday and b&b breakfast holidays .
I often do some resorting this time of year and come across partly complete projects in boxes. One of these was a F5A that I commenced earlier in the year during mad March, I was waiting on transfers to complete the model for my Royal Moroccan Air Force collection, these arrived this week.
The Moroccan Air Force was formed in 1956, its first aircraft were six ex French Morane-Saulniers MS 500 and three Max Holste MH1521 Broussard transport aircraft. In 1961, the Royal Morrocan Airforce gained the Royal title prefix. Its first purchases were twelve Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-17 fighters, two Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-15UTI trainers and two Ilyushin Il-28 bombers from the Soviet Union. Eight Fouga Magister training aircraft were also purchased from France. In 1962, 10 Douglas C-47 Skytrain and six Fairchild C-119G transport aircraft were purchased along with 12 North American T-6 Texans were used for pilot training, eight T-6Gs and 56 SNJ-4s had been delivered by France, but most of the airframes were in a very poor condition, and written off soon after their delivery for spare parts. 15 Harvard MkIV were also delivered in 1962 from ex Canadian stock. Several DO-28 SkyServant reconnaissance and light transport/liaison aircraft were also purchased from Germany
A political rift with the Soviet Union during the Sand War with Angola and this pushed Morocco to seek a new ally in the United States. latter six Northrop F-5 combat aircraft (4 single-seat F-5A and 2 two-seat F-5B) and another 20 F-5A and four F-5B in 1966.
At that time, the helicopter fleet was composed of six Aerospatiale Alouette IIs and four Bell 47s.
Starting in 1968, Morocco acquired 60 Bell AB205, 25 Bell AB206, two Bell AB212, and nine Bell CH-47C helicopters from Italy. Deliveries lasted until 1977.
The next modernization of the Moroccan Air Force took place just before the Sahara conflict. The first 25 Mirage F1CH fighters were purchased in 1975, together with 38 Aerospatiale Puma helicopters. Six C-130Hs were bought in 1973, and deliveries started in 1974. Modernization of Northrop F-5 Freedom Fighter with improved technology and the purchase of 24 Alpha Jet E would later be undertaken by the RMAF. 16 F-5Es and 4 F-5Fs were acquired in October 1979. Morocco purchased four single-seat Northrop F-5s and two two-seat bombers from the United States. This deal was followed by another to purchase 20 F-5 attack aircraft and four F-5 bombers. Together with the F-5E/Fs, the FRA decided to buy a total of 24 OV-10As from the United States Marine Corps. However, only the first six aircraft were delivered. They were mostly used in a maritime patrol role and for reconnaissance due to their ineffic iency in combat.A total of 30 Mirage F1CHs were received in December 1979. Additionally, 20 Mirage F1EHs (including six equipped with in-flight refuelling probes) were delivered between December 1979 and July 1982. in 1982, a Boeing 707-138B was fitted with Beech hose units at the wingtips for refueling. Two Lockheed KC-130Hs were also delivered, and all of the F-5Es were modified with aerial refueling probes. four refueling aircraft were purchased, including three B-707s and one C-130
Sand War
The RMAF participated in the Moroccan-Algerian border conflict in 1963 known as Sand War. Its Fairchild C-119s and Douglas C-47swere used to resupply troops, North American T-6s for reconnaissance, and Morane-Saulnier Alcyons for ground attack. MiG-17s were only used sporadically, mostly due to their short range.
Yom Kippur War
I cannot confirm completely that the air force fought in any combat sorties, however reports of fourteen Mig 17 and twelve Moroccan Air Force Northrop F-5A joined the Egyptian 69 Squadron at Tanta on 19 October 1973. In January 1974 two F-5As armed with AIM-9Bs and 20mm cannons intercepted a pair of Israeli Air Force Mirage IIICJs on a reconnaissance mission. The Israelis turned away once the F-5As were detected, dragging both RMAF fighters behind them. Concerned about a possible ambush by Israeli F-4E Phantom IIs, the Egyptian Air Force ground control ordered both Moroccan fighters to return, replacing them with two EAF MiG-21MFs. The air force continued to fly missions over the Nile delta after the ceasefire.
Western Sahara War
At the beginning of the Western Sahara War, Fouga Magisters (based at Laayoune) and North American T-6 Texans (based at Dakhla) were used for ground support. Later on, the F-5s went into action, to strike POLISARIO targets.
In 1980, construction of the Sahara defensive walls began, consisting of several types of obstacles for infantry and armoured vehicles, such as mine fields and barbed wire. Radars and other electronic sensors were used to detect infiltration attempts, all backed by Quick Intervention Units (Détachements d'Intervention Rapide) able to move to and quickly reinforce attacked outposts along the wall. It was also decided to use Aérospatiale SA 342 Gazelle helicopters with HOT missiles to engage the POLISARIO armoured vehicles and technicals from outside the range of light anti-aircraft guns. Apart from the ground radars of the Wall, two C-130 Hercules equipped with SLARs were also used for the detection of enemy units. However, the first portion of the wall, completed in 1982, protected only the area considered as “useful” for Morocco's political and economic interests, that is, the capital Laayoune, the religious center Smara, and the phosphate fields of Bou Craa.
After the loss of nine F-5As during combat operations against the POLISARIO, 16 F-5Es and 4 F-5Fs were acquired in October 1979. The main problem that faced Moroccan fighter-bombers in Western Sahara was their insufficient range over the vast battlefield of the Sahara desert.
In December 1977, the Royal Moroccan Air Force started receiving its first Mirage F1CHs. Even though the Mirage F1CH was designed as an interceptor, it was used almost exclusively for ground attack in the war against the POLISARIO. The last of a total of 30 Mirage F1CHs were received in December 1979. Additionally, 20 Mirage F1EHs (including six equipped with in-flight refuelling probes) were delivered between December 1979 and July 1982.
With the outbreak of the Sand War, the Soviet Union betrayed an ally it could have had—Morocco—by supporting Algeria, given its socialist approach. Instead of balancing its relations with both countries, Morocco shifted its focus to a new ally: the United States.
As for transport units, 10 of the famous Douglas C-47s, 18 Fairchild C-119Gs, and six C-130 Hercules were acquired . Due to the conflicts in the Sahara, Morocco saw a need for helicopters, and therefore purchased 24 Augusta-Bell AB205A helicopters. For training, the needs were covered by 60 T-6 Texans. The subsequent development of the air force was through the acquisition of Mirage F1 attack aircraft. Given the importance of the air force and the difficult period it went through and its reliance on aviation, more pilots needed to be trained. Therefore, T-34 Mentor trainer aircraft were acquired, along with the purchase of Puma helicopters and an unspecified number of C-130s to replace their aging counterparts.
Morocco needed aircraft to monitor its long coastline, and after studying the matter, a deal was concluded with the United States to purchase six OV-10 Bronco reconnaissance and attack aircraft.
With the outbreak of hostilities between Morocco and the Polisario Front, Morocco needed light armor-piercing helicopters. This was accomplished by purchasing an unspecified number of Hughes 500MDs, equipped with TOW missiles, which destroyed several T-55/54 tanks and BMP armored vehicles.
To track enemy units, Morocco purchased C-130 aircraft equipped with the SLAR system to track enemy units. It also gifted the Shah of Iran two RF5 reconnaissance aircraft, followed by a significant deal for 20 new F-5 Tiger II aircraft.
