Morocco Bolsters Military with Israeli-Made SpyX Kamikaze Drones

With a 90-minute endurance and a range of 50 kilometers, the SpyX can strike targets at a speed of over 250 km/h. Equipped with a 2.5 kilogram explosive charge, this suicide drone is designed for both reconnaissance and attack missions. Its acquisition marks a significant step in Morocco’s defense and security capabilities.

The acquisition of the SpyX is part of growing defense cooperation between Morocco and Israel. In September 2022, the kingdom had already ordered 150 WanderB and ThunderB drones from BlueBird, as well as two Ofek-13 reconnaissance satellites.

This relationship has been strengthened since 2021 when the two countries signed a defense agreement aimed at countering common threats such as Iran. Since then, Morocco has acquired several Israeli weapons, including the Skylock Dome anti-drone system and electronic warfare and signal intelligence solutions from Elbit Systems.

While the strengthening of Morocco’s military capabilities is undeniable, it will not fail to elicit reactions in the region, particularly with the neighboring country, Algeria. Relations between Morocco and Israel also remain very sensitive, particularly because of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Despite these tensions, Morocco is pursuing its military modernization strategy, aiming to become a major regional power in North Africa, but this does not necessarily please Algeria and even the Spanish side.