Morocco has entered into a significant deal with Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) to acquire two advanced spy satellites. The contract, reportedly worth $1 billion, marks a strategic move for Morocco’s intelligence capabilities and highlights the growing cooperation between the two nations.
This $1 billion deal, set to span five years, underscores Morocco’s growing ambitions in intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance.
The acquisition involves the Ofek 13 reconnaissance satellites, which will replace existing Airbus and Thales satellites in Morocco’s space-based surveillance system.
Morocco’s decision to replace its existing Airbus and Thales satellites with the advanced Ofek 13 system signals a clear intent to enhance its capabilities in a region fraught with geopolitical tensions. The Ofek 13, equipped with synthetic aperture radar (SAR) technology, offers unprecedented day and night surveillance with a resolution of up to 0.5 meters. SAR technology allows precise imaging even in adverse weather conditions, making these satellites invaluable for intelligence gathering and security purposes.
This technological leap will undoubtedly bolster Morocco’s ability to monitor its borders, detect potential threats, and gather critical intelligence.
The acquisition of these satellites is not an isolated event but rather a continuation of a broader defense cooperation between Morocco and Israel. The two nations formalized their defense ties in 2021, with a focus on intelligence sharing, military industry collaboration, and procurement.
Morocco is actively seeking a more diversified range of Israeli weapon systems. Since the signing of the Abraham Accords in 2020, Morocco has emerged as a significant client of Israeli defence industries.
The aerospace sector cooperation was further solidified in 2022 when both parties signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) related to aeronautics. This agreement stems from the December 2020 Joint Declaration between Morocco and Israel.
This agreement laid the groundwork for the subsequent purchase of the Barak MX air defense system from IAI and the acquisition of various unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) from Israeli companies, including IAI’s Heron I and systems from BlueBird Aero Systems.
Also, Elbit Systems, an Israeli company, is planning to manufacture defence systems for Morocco’s armed forces at its upcoming production sites in Morocco.
Morocco’s strategic shift towards Israel has far-reaching implications for the region. As a key player in North Africa, Morocco’s enhanced military capabilities could impact the balance of power in the Mediterranean and beyond. The acquisition of Israeli spy satellites, in particular, could provide Morocco with a significant intelligence advantage over potential adversaries.
