Morocco Secures $1 Billion Israeli Spy Satellite Deal, Sidestepping France

Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) will manufacture a satellite for Morocco. The two parties would have already sealed a deal with the Israeli company, reveals La Tribune, specifying that the cost of the acquisition amounts to one billion dollars. The president of IAI, Amir Peretz, would have made a trip to Morocco via a European country in recent days to sign the final agreement related to this purchase. IAI will have to deliver the satellite to Morocco in about five years. It will replace the two satellites manufactured for Morocco by Airbus: Mohammed VI-A and Mohammed VI-B.

In December 2023, Morocco had decided to entrust the manufacture of its next spy satellite to Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI). The latter will have to manufacture the Ofek-13, the latest model launched by Israel. It is an observation satellite with a synthetic aperture radar and is equipped with very advanced capabilities. The kingdom 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 combat illegal immigration, smuggling, crime and terrorism.