Morocco Becomes Key Buyer of Israeli Military Gear Post-Abraham Accords
Translated & summarized from Globes by baba
Morocco has become a significant purchaser of Israeli military equipment, with Israel participating in the Marrakech Air Show and showcasing advanced defense systems. Since the Abraham Accords, Israel has become the second-largest supplier of defense imports to Morocco, surpassing traditional partners like France. Key Israeli companies like IAI, Elbit, and Rafael are supplying a range of technologies, including satellites, drones, air defense systems, and ballistic missiles, as Morocco seeks to bolster its defense capabilities and independence.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Morocco is increasingly acquiring advanced military technology from Israel, including air defense systems and ballistic missiles.
- Israel ranked as Morocco's second-largest defense import source (24%) between 2020-2025, after the U.S. (60%).
- Israeli defense firms like IAI, Elbit, and Rafael are key suppliers, with IAI's Ofeq 13 satellites and BlueBird's drone factory being notable examples.
- Morocco's defense budget is the second largest in Africa, projected at $13 billion in 2025.
- The strengthened Israel-Morocco defense ties are a significant outcome of the Abraham Accords.
- Morocco is seeking to integrate Israeli systems like David's Sling into its multi-layered air defense network.
Israel showcased its defense capabilities at the Marrakech Air Show in Morocco, with the Ministry of Defense establishing a national pavilion. Beyond the official presence, significant behind-the-scenes developments indicate Morocco's growing reliance on Israeli military technology. Following previous acquisitions of satellites, drones, artillery, and air defense systems, Morocco is now reportedly interested in additional Israeli air defense systems and ballistic missiles.
Since the signing of the Abraham Accords, the relationship between Israel and Morocco has strengthened considerably. Data from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) shows Israel as Morocco's second-largest defense import source between 2020 and 2025, accounting for 24% of its imports, trailing only the United States (60%) but surpassing traditional supplier France (10%). Morocco's defense budget, projected at $13 billion in 2025, is the second largest in Africa, reflecting a growing regional military dynamic, particularly in contrast to Algeria's larger and faster-growing defense spending.
The burgeoning defense ties also yield military benefits for the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), including logistical support during the transit of Israeli naval landing ships. The unique relationship has been spearheaded by Colonel Sharon Itach, the first Israeli Military Attaché to Morocco, who attended the Marrakech event alongside a high-ranking Israeli Air Force delegation. This delegation met with the Moroccan Air Force commander, highlighting the deepening cooperation.
Israeli defense companies like UVision, Aeronautics, Shilat, ASIO, and Orbit presented their offerings, showcasing areas of interest for Rabat, including loitering munitions, drones, precision-guided munitions, navigation systems, and satellite communication. Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) has secured a significant deal for $1 billion worth of its Ofeq 13 satellites and has previously supplied Barak MX air defense systems and Blue Spear missiles. IAI's subsidiary, BlueBird, has established a factory in Morocco for producing its SpyX suicide drones, aligning with Morocco's goal of enhancing defense independence.
Elbit Systems has also been a major player, exhibiting its Hermes 900 drone, SkyStriker loitering munition, and other advanced systems. Odi Vered of Elbit highlighted Morocco's strategic geopolitical importance and expressed optimism about future growth, noting the positive reception from Moroccan authorities and international visitors from countries like the UAE and Saudi Arabia.
Rafael Advanced Defense Systems is another key partner, having supplied Spike anti-tank missiles and the Sea Breaker missile system. Morocco is now seeking to integrate Rafael's David's Sling air defense system into its multi-layered defense network, though its acquisition requires U.S. approval due to American involvement. Despite this, the strong U.S.-Morocco defense relationship suggests this hurdle may be overcome.
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