The aircraft, manufactured by US aerospace giant Lockheed Martin, will cost about $2.4bn, in a package that will include equipment for satellite navigation and electronic warfare.

Morocco will receive the Block 50/52 model of the plane. Among Arab nations, only the UAE, with the Block 60, flies a more up-to-date model.

The deal had been expected for several weeks, after Rabat backed out of a mooted agreement with France to buy Rafale jets.

In a statement, the Pentagon’s Defence Security Co-operation agency said the deal will enhance Morocco’s ability to co-operate with the US.