
Morocco Builds New Military Base Near Spanish Enclave, Raising Tensions
Morocco would establish a new military base on the upper part of Mount Gourougou, near Nador. This seems to be a concern on the other side of the border, in Melilla.

Morocco would establish a new military base on the upper part of Mount Gourougou, near Nador. This seems to be a concern on the other side of the border, in Melilla.

The sale of the ultra-sophisticated SeaGuardian military drones to Morocco, negotiated as part of the normalization of the kingdom’s relations with Israel in exchange for the United States’ recognition of the Moroccanness of the Sahara, is taking shape.

In partnership with Israel, Morocco is preparing to launch a drone manufacturing plant. The kingdom aims to become the first African producer of drones .

The arms agreement between the United States and Morocco could provoke tensions in North Africa, as Algeria no longer maintains good relations with its neighbor.

While the Spanish army will take possession of its modern Eurofighters in 2026, Morocco plans to receive its first Mirage 2000-9s in 2027. The two neighboring countries are competing for air superiority.

Morocco aims to become a weapons producing and exporting country. It is relying on countries like Israel, the United States and Brazil to establish a solid military industry.

Morocco’s military spending saw a slight decline last year, while Algeria’s recorded a sharp increase. The United States, China, Russia, India and Saudi Arabia top the list of countries that spent the most in 2023.

The Civil Guard has deployed in Melilla drones equipped with advanced artificial intelligence (AI) technology to strengthen surveillance and security at the land and maritime border with Morocco.

Gérald Darmanin, French Minister of the Interior, is expected at Rabat-Salé airport this Sunday. He will be at the head of a large delegation including several leaders of French security institutions, including those of the National Police, the National Gendarmerie and intelligence.

While Rabat and Madrid are working to give new momentum to their bilateral relations, Spanish media claim that Morocco’s military power could pose a serious threat to Spain.

The information that France has accepted the transfer of 30 Emirati Mirage 2000-9 aircraft to Morocco is false.

The French group Thales, specialized in aerospace, defense, security and land transport, had delivered to the Royal Armed Forces of Morocco its hundredth Ground Master 400 radar in July 2021. Today, this powerful French weapon is of interest to many countries.