Spain Fears Moroccan Missile Attack Amid Israeli Arms Deals
Translated & summarized from Globes by baba
Spain has expressed concerns over Morocco potentially acquiring Israeli LORA ballistic missiles, prompting reassurances from Spanish Foreign Minister Josep Borrell regarding NATO's defense guarantees. Morocco is also pursuing other missile systems, including American and French options. In parallel, a U.S. defense contract worth $75 million was awarded to Long Wall, a startup with Israeli investment, for developing interceptor technology. European defense firm BAE Hägglunds is integrating Israeli Elbit Systems' Iron Fist active protection system into its new infantry fighting vehicles, underscoring ongoing reliance on Israeli defense technology.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Spain fears Morocco may acquire Israeli LORA ballistic missiles, raising security concerns.
- Morocco is reportedly seeking advanced missile systems from Israel, the US, and France.
- US awards $75 million contract to defense startup Long Wall, backed by Israeli investor Dov Francis.
- BAE Hägglunds integrates Israeli Elbit's Iron Fist protection system into new infantry fighting vehicles.
- Spanish Foreign Minister Josep Borrell stated Spain's territorial integrity is guaranteed by NATO.
Spain is reportedly concerned about a potential Moroccan attack using Israeli-made missiles, specifically the LORA ballistic missile from Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI). This concern arises as Morocco continues its arms procurement from Israel, with reports suggesting the potential acquisition of LORA missiles, as previously indicated by ZM website. The Spanish Foreign Minister, Josep Borrell, attempted to allay fears by stating that Spain's territorial integrity is guaranteed by NATO's defense.
Morocco is seeking to acquire a range of missile systems, including the Israeli LORA and the American ATACMS. Recent successful operational tests of the LORA naval missile system by the German Navy demonstrated its capabilities, with reports indicating a range of approximately 500 kilometers. Morocco is also reportedly interested in the French IRIFI system, which Ramat AI claims can hit targets up to 2,000 kilometers away, with France willing to transfer production knowledge to Morocco.
In a separate development, the U.S. Missile Defense Agency (MDA) has awarded a $75 million contract to the American defense startup Long Wall, which received investment from Israeli investor Dov Francis. Long Wall, formerly focused on space launch systems, will use the contract to complete flight tests of its low-cost interceptor, Cyclops, with tests scheduled to begin in 2025. The company is also committing an additional $75 million of its own funds for research and development of the interceptor, citing increased demand for interceptors and challenges with production capacity and high unit costs.
Meanwhile, European defense giant BAE Hägglunds, a subsidiary of BAE Systems, has unveiled its CV9030 MkIV infantry fighting vehicle in the Czech Republic, equipped with Elbit Systems' Iron Fist active protection system. This development highlights the continued reliance of European companies on Israeli defense technology, even as some European politicians discuss potential embargoes against Israel. The Iron Fist system, also used by the IDF, provides 360-degree protection against anti-tank missiles, drones, and other threats. Elbit Systems secured contracts worth approximately $150 million in January for the supply of Iron Fist to BAE Hägglunds for integration into the CV90 series, following a successful demonstration in Europe where the system intercepted advanced tank rounds.