Morocco in Talks to Acquire Israeli Barak-8 Missile Defense System

Sources close to the company told The Jerusalem Post that the Israeli company has not yet signed any agreement with Morocco for the sale of this missile. For several years, the kingdom has been modernizing its army and in this context, has undertaken negotiations for the purchase of medium and long-range air defense systems, including the American Patriot, the Chinese Sky Dragon 50, the French VL Mica and others.

The Barak-8 MR-SAM system can shoot down enemy aircraft, missiles and drones at a distance of 50 to 70 kilometers. Developed by India’s Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO) in close collaboration with Elta and Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, this system includes a digital radar, a command and control system, tracking radar launchers, etc. It is also capable of engaging multiple targets simultaneously and can be used in any weather condition.

Morocco normalized its diplomatic relations with Israel in December 2020. Since then, the two countries have strengthened their military cooperation. Israeli Defense Minister Benny Gantz made his first official visit to Morocco in December 2021, where he signed defense cooperation agreements. Morocco has expressed its intention to purchase the Israeli Iron Dome. It has already purchased and received three Heron I drones for $48 million.