Morocco will buy weapons and support equipment for its fleet of F-16 fighter jets, in a proposed deal worth $187m.

The US Defense Security Co-operation Agency has notified Congress of the proposed deal for Morocco to upgrade the weapons and communications systems on its fighter aircraft.

Rabat will buy missiles and missile launchers, cannons, ground and airborne radios for the planes.

Other support equipment includes targeting pods for ground stations, mission-planning systems, radio receivers, missile transports and night-vision goggles.

The US government will also provide technical and logistical support.

Morocco is a close ally of the US. The agency says the proposed deal will modernise the ageing Moroccan Air Force F-16 fleet and improve co-operation with US and Nato forces.