Israel plans to set up two military equipment factories in Morocco
A step forward for military cooperation between Rabat and Tel Aviv. The Israeli company Elbit Systems could set up two military equipment factories on Moroccan soil, according to Shay Cohen, the company's communications manager in Rabat. Although no further details of the production plants have been revealed, Cohen did say that one of them will be established in the Casablanca region.
The Israeli company's announcement reinforces its presence in Morocco after several business transactions with the Kingdom. Elbit Systems has provided the Royal Armed Forces with Hermes-900 drones and the PULS artillery rocket launching system, already operational in the military structure.
After more than two years of normalising relations, Israel has become a key partner for Morocco in terms of acquiring military equipment and strengthening the country's defence and security capabilities.
The two countries have prepared the joint production on Moroccan soil of an extensive military arsenal: short- and medium-range missiles, armoured vehicles, tanks and kamikaze drones, the latest major step in the cooperation between the two countries. All of them are the result of the Memorandum of Understanding in the defence sector, which covers the exchange of knowledge, technology transfer and cooperation in the defence industry.
The modernisation of the Moroccan army
Morocco is immersed in a process of modernising its Royal Armed Forces with the aim of becoming Africa's leading military power by 2030, overtaking Algeria in a tense arms race in the Maghreb. To this end, Rabat has strengthened cooperation with the United States and Israel as the main suppliers of defence systems.
Morocco's renewed alliance with Washington following the recognition of Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara under former President Donald Trump and the restoration of diplomatic ties with Israel through the Abraham Accords have been key diplomatic achievements in modernising, among other things, its military arsenal.
In recent months, Washington has transferred to Rabat Barak MX anti-missile systems, F-16 fighter jets and the HIMARS rocket launcher system, the most advanced so far that has gained notoriety after its use in Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The weaponry provided is part of a $774 million US aid package. The White House expects further modernisation and military cooperation with Morocco as a guarantor of security and stability in North Africa and the Sahel.
An unprecedented diplomatic moment between Morocco and Israel
Rabat and Tel Aviv are at the height of their diplomatic relations. The right-wing government of Benjamin Netanyahu took a step forward by sending the first Israeli army unit to take part in the African Lion military manoeuvres, the most important on the continent, coordinated by the United States. However, this is not the only willingness to forge closer political ties.
On an official visit to Rabat by Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana, he advocated Israel's recognition of Moroccan sovereignty over the Sahara: 'Israel should move towards the goal of recognising the Moroccan Sahara, just as our closest ally, the United States, did when it signed the Abraham Accords'. An imminent recognition that could seal a renewed strengthening of the relationship between the two countries.
