Morocco Nears Deal for Israeli Long-Range LORA Missiles
Translated & summarized from i24NEWS Arabic by baba
Morocco is in advanced negotiations with Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) to purchase LORA ballistic missiles, which have a range of up to 500 kilometers. The potential deal aims to bolster Morocco's long-range precision strike capabilities as part of its military modernization. This follows years of significant Israeli defense exports to Morocco, which has become the kingdom's third-largest arms supplier. The acquisition would mark a notable enhancement of Morocco's missile arsenal.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Morocco is nearing an initial agreement with Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) to purchase LORA ballistic missiles.
- The LORA missiles offer a range of up to 500 kilometers and can be launched from multiple platforms.
- The potential deal is part of Morocco's ongoing military modernization and acquisition of advanced weaponry.
- Israel has become Morocco's third-largest arms supplier, with exports exceeding $2 billion since 2020.
- Morocco has previously acquired various Israeli defense systems, including air defense and missile systems.
Negotiations between Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) and Morocco are progressing toward an initial agreement for the sale of LORA ballistic missiles, according to an Israeli report. The deal, if finalized, would significantly enhance Morocco's capacity for precise, long-range strikes. The talks are described as serious and advanced, though financial details have not been disclosed. This potential acquisition aligns with Morocco's broader military modernization efforts and its aim to acquire advanced weaponry. The LORA missile system can target locations up to approximately 500 kilometers away and can be launched from land, sea, or air platforms, offering considerable operational flexibility. First tested in 2017, LORA is designed for deep, accurate strikes against strategic fixed targets and carries warheads weighing between 400 and 600 kilograms. Israel is showcasing these missiles at the Marrakech Air Show 2026, which began Wednesday at the Royal Air Force base in Marrakech. The event features eight Israeli defense companies presenting their products in Morocco for the first time, signaling the strong military ties between Rabat and Tel Aviv. This potential LORA deal is part of ongoing defense cooperation, which has seen Morocco acquire various Israeli offensive and defensive systems in recent years. Israeli defense exports to Morocco are estimated to have exceeded $2 billion since the start of the current decade, making Israel the third-largest arms supplier to the kingdom, after the United States and France, according to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute. Previous Moroccan acquisitions include Elbit Systems' PULS missile systems and IAI's Barak MX air defense system. Reports also suggest Morocco acquired an Israeli spy satellite for about $1 billion and deployed the Rafael-developed SPYDER air defense system. Finalizing the LORA missile deal would represent a significant advancement in Morocco's missile capabilities and further diversify its offensive and defensive arsenal.
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