Israel Aerospace Industries Nears Deal to Sell LORA Missiles to Morocco

Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) is in advanced negotiations to sell LORA ballistic missiles to Morocco, according to defense sources cited by Calcalist. The potential deal comes as Morocco is engaged in an arms race with neighboring Algeria. The sources described the talks as serious and in very advanced stages, with the deal's value undisclosed.

The acquisition of LORA missiles would significantly enhance Morocco's long-range precision strike capabilities. This move is seen in the context of Algeria's military buildup, which includes Russian and Chinese weaponry, and its support for the Polisario Front in the Western Sahara conflict. LORA missiles are designed for precision strikes up to approximately 500 kilometers and can be launched from land, sea, or air platforms.

IAI recently demonstrated the LORA missile's capabilities in the Pacific Ocean for the German Navy, which is reportedly interested in the system. The missiles are currently being showcased at the Marrakech Air Show 2026, which opened yesterday at the Royal Air Force base in Marrakech. This event marks the first time eight Israeli defense companies are exhibiting in Morocco, highlighting the strengthening ties between the two nations.

Security officials noted that the visible participation of Israeli companies at the Moroccan exhibition signifies the quality of relations between the countries. Estimates suggest that total Israeli defense exports to Morocco have exceeded $2 billion since the beginning of the decade. According to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), Israel is now Morocco's third-largest defense supplier, accounting for over 10% of its arms imports, following France and the United States.

Morocco has previously acquired precision rockets and PULS missile launch systems from Elbit Systems, as well as IAI's Barak MX air defense systems. Foreign reports also indicate Morocco purchased an intelligence satellite from IAI for approximately $1 billion. Earlier this year, reports emerged of Rafael's SPYDER air defense system being deployed in Morocco. These acquisitions coincide with the establishment of factories in Morocco for the production and assembly of drones and UAVs developed by Israeli companies.

Alongside the LORA missiles, IAI is also displaying its Heron MK-2 drone, the Barak MX air defense system, communication satellites, and aircraft maintenance capabilities at the Marrakech exhibition. The company is also promoting its passenger aircraft conversion services, potentially catering to Royal Air Maroc's expansion plans and the upcoming 2030 World Cup hosted by Morocco.

Other Israeli firms exhibiting include Elbit Systems and Rafael, with Rafael showcasing its powerful laser-based air defense system designed for rapid and cost-effective interception of drones and UAVs. The Ministry of Defense's Directorate of Defense Export Controls has also set up a pavilion promoting products from companies like Asio Technologies, Orbit, Uvision, and XTEND.