Due to growing regional tensions, particularly the situation in North Africa and the Sahel, instability in Libya, terrorist threats, rivalry with Algeria, and the dispute over Western Sahara, Morocco is engaged in a frantic race to acquire military equipment, sometimes worrying Spain.
Morocco is going to start producing on-site, with the support of Israel, kamikaze drones like the SpyX, developed by the company Bluebird Aero Systems. The acquisition of this Israeli technology by the kingdom is frightening Spain.
Morocco and Israel continue to strengthen their military cooperation. Rabat signed a contract a few weeks ago with Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) for the purchase of two Ofek-13 spy satellites worth one billion dollars, or nearly 925 million euros.
Algeria has erected an iron fence along the Bin Lejraf border area with Morocco. This has given rise to divergent interpretations among citizens of the two peoples.
The Moroccan Front against Normalization views the $1 billion defense contract signed between Morocco and Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) for the acquisition of a spy satellite in a bad light and demands explanations from the government of Aziz Akhannouch.
The Israeli company "Israel Aerospace Industries" (IAI) chaired by former Israeli minister Amir Peretz, a native of Boujaâd (a Moroccan city), will deliver a spy satellite to Morocco. This acquisition would have already been concluded.
The American company Lockheed Martin has launched the production of the American ATACMS (Army Tactical Missile System) missiles for the benefit of the Royal Armed Forces (FAR) of Morocco, at its site in Grand Prairie, Texas.
France is relying on Morocco’s expertise in security to successfully organize the Olympic Games, which will take place from July 26 to August 11 in Paris.
Morocco would be a threat to Spain’s security due to its persistent claims on Ceuta, Melilla, and the Spanish islands and rocks. But an open armed conflict between the two countries is not foreseeable, say some analysts.
The 25 F-16 Block 70/72 combat aircraft ordered last year by Morocco from the United States will be equipped with the Viper Shield electronic warfare system, the U.S. Department of Defense announced on Thursday.
Spain has deployed surveillance and deterrence units in the city of Melilla. The objective is to guarantee the security of this territory claimed by Morocco.
The US State Department has given the green light for the sale to Morocco of High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) missile systems, as well as related equipment. The cost of this acquisition is estimated at $524 million.