Morocco Seeks Israeli Missile Defense System with 300-Kilometer Range, but Needs US Approval
Ballistic missiles, drones, fighter jets: Morocco wants to strengthen its air defenses with an Israeli system capable of intercepting several types of threats. Developed with the United States, the equipment would complement the batteries already deployed by the Royal Armed Forces. Negotiations are ongoing.
From 40 to 300 kilometers. That is the interception range attributed to David’s Sling, a powerful Israeli missile defense system that Morocco is seeking to acquire. According to Spanish newspaper El Español, which reported this Wednesday, October 21, on discussions between Rabat and Tel Aviv, the acquisition would allow the kingdom to significantly strengthen its protection against aerial attacks.
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At the heart of the system is the Stunner missile. Measuring 4.6 meters long, it uses several propulsion bursts to reach its target at very high speed. Its distinctive feature: destroying enemy projectiles through direct impact, without an explosive warhead. According to the US center CSIS, the system is designed to intercept ballistic and cruise missiles at distances of between 40 and 300 kilometers.
For Morocco, David’s Sling would provide a new layer of protection. The Royal Armed Forces already have the Israeli Barak MX system, designed in particular to intercept missiles and drones, as well as the Spyder, a mobile air defense system deployed near Rabat. The arrival of additional equipment would make it possible to counter threats at different distances and altitudes.
An Israeli system that also depends on Washington
But Rabat will have to reckon with a third player: the United States. David’s Sling was jointly developed by Israeli company Rafael and the American firm Raytheon, with support from the missile defense agencies of both countries.
This cooperation gives Washington a decisive role in exports. The Finnish Ministry of Defence confirmed this in April 2023, when Helsinki announced its intention to buy the system: the sale required authorization from the US government.
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El Español says relations between Rabat and the Trump administration would facilitate the process. The Spanish newspaper reports that approval is expected, but does not say that the United States has already authorized a sale to Morocco.
The discussions were first reported on September 7 by Spanish newspaper La Razón. Since then, no price or delivery schedule has been officially announced for Morocco. By comparison, Finland signed its contract in December 2024 for a program valued at around 316 million euros, after receiving Washington’s approval in August 2023.
