The United States is considering selling Morocco the latest version of the Patriot air defense missile system. The kingdom is cited as a potential customer along with two other European countries.
Morocco is strengthening its military cooperation with Israel. After the acquisition of Israeli drones and the project to manufacture kamikaze drones, the kingdom plans to build a military base near Melilla with its new partner.
On Thursday, Morocco carried out a first test of the Turkish-origin Bayraktar TB2 drone it purchased in April. The device was spotted flying over the sky of Laâyoune.
Announced on an official visit to Morocco in the very near future, the Israeli Minister of Defense, Benny Gantz, could conclude the sale to the kingdom of the anti-missile system called "Iron Dome".
The French group Thales, specialized in aerospace, defense, security and ground transportation, delivered last July to the Royal Moroccan Air Force its hundredth Ground Master 400 radar, in accordance with the contract signed with the kingdom in 2019.
Morocco is considering acquiring the "Iron Dome" anti-missile defense system from Israel to defend itself against any attack by the Polisario Front in the Sahara, and also from Algeria.
Morocco would consider carrying out certain work on two of its major air bases so that they are capable of accommodating the F-16 Block 72, the order for which was placed two years ago.
The Chinese company Norinco, specialized in the armaments industry, has set up shop in Morocco by opening a subsidiary in Rabat.
The United States has revealed details about the modernization plan of the Royal Armed Forces (FAR). It appears that Morocco is working to establish a local defense industry.
Morocco’s military budget has been steadily increasing for several years as it has embarked on a dynamic of strengthening and modernizing its army. It should increase from 4.295 billion euros in 2021 to 4.8 billion euros in 2022, and would constitute the largest military budget in the history of the kingdom.
In a context of crisis with Algeria, which has broken off diplomatic relations and banned both military and civilian aircraft from overflying its airspace, Morocco plans to increase its budget for defense and armaments. It could reach 50 billion dirhams.
Morocco would like to acquire 10 ARES 35 FPB fast patrol boats and 5 ARES 80 SAT boats manufactured in Turkey. Discussions are underway between the two parties.