Morocco to Acquire $1 Billion Israeli Spy Satellites, Boosting Surveillance Capabilities

Morocco has indeed acquired two sophisticated Israeli Ofek 13 satellites manufactured by the state-owned company Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) for $1 billion (nearly 10.45 billion dirhams), according to Globes, confirming the report published on this subject by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) in March 2024. The delivery of these two satellites is expected to be effective in 2030. The Ofek-13s are intended to replace the Mohammed VI-A and Mohammed VI-B spy satellites, which were put into service in 2017 and 2018, the media reports.

These satellites are known for their intelligence and security capabilities. The Ofek-13 satellite has a precision of up to 0.5 meters. Built for the Israeli Ministry of Defense and the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), it was launched on March 29, 2023 from the Palmachim Air Force Base in Israel using a Shavit-2 rocket. It is operated by Unit 9900. This type of satellite can emit a microwave radar signal towards the Earth’s surface to detect its physical characteristics.

These satellites will allow Morocco to develop and expand its space capabilities, after the launch of two satellites in 2017 and 2018. Morocco will have to use the satellites in areas such as surveillance and monitoring of climate change, agricultural use, defense, aviation, and Internet access, but also for reconnaissance purposes, helping to fight illegal immigration, smuggling, crime and terrorism.