US Naval Base to Remain in Spain, Denying Potential Move to Morocco

"The extension of the defense cooperation agreement between the United States and Spain [signed on May 8, 2023] marked an important milestone in the relations between our two countries. [...] The United States is grateful for the close cooperation of our Spanish hosts, who have offered extraordinary hospitality to American military personnel and their families for nearly seventy years. More than 4,000 American soldiers live in the Spanish military bases of Rota and Morón," said a source at the U.S. Embassy in Spain to La Razón.

The same source assured that the American administration does not plan to reduce its presence in Rota and Morón and that no transfer of the Rota base to the Moroccan base of Alcazarseguir is on the agenda. "Even though Morocco and the United States currently have good relations, it wouldn’t make any sense. A decision of such magnitude is not made because of something as trivial as Trump’s supposed anger against Spain for its position on certain issues," explained a high-ranking Spanish army officer who requested anonymity.

"For now, I don’t see any real concern. And, from the little I know, both from the navy and the American embassy, there are no signs of change. On the contrary, expansion projects are continuing," said Javier Ruiz, the mayor of Rota, adding that "the United States has already experienced bases in Morocco and ended up withdrawing. Moreover, hundreds of millions of dollars have been invested in a key facility here. Moving it would not bring any added value."

Rather than dismantling, extension works are planned at the Rota base. This week, the specialized site Infodefensa announced that the navy "is considering the construction of docks, a basin, and areas for service facilities" to accommodate twice as many ships. Costing 300 million euros, this base expansion project is expected to last about eight years. In an agreement signed in May 2023, Spain and the United States committed to increasing the capacity of the Rota base to allow it to accommodate six destroyers by 2026.