Retired Spanish General Urges Missile Deployment in Gibraltar Strait Amid Morocco’s Growing Influence
A retired Spanish general says Morocco is strengthening its influence around the Strait of Gibraltar as Madrid loses ground. Jesús Argumosa Pila is calling for a military and diplomatic response from Spain, including the deployment of mobile missiles and additional surveillance capabilities.
“Time is working against Spain,” warns Jesús Argumosa Pila, a former major general, in an op-ed published on November 7 by Libertad Digital. He believes the crisis in Sebta in the summer of 2026 exposed the fragility of Spain’s position and is urging Madrid to rethink its strategy on its southern border.
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To support his analysis, the retired officer points to Morocco’s diplomatic and military rapprochement with the United States and Israel. He cites in particular the new military cooperation roadmap between Rabat and Washington for 2026-2036, as well as Moroccan investment in drones, missiles and military infrastructure.
The port of Tanger Med also plays a central role in his argument. With 11.1 million containers handled in 2025, the Moroccan complex now far outstrips Algésiras. For Argumosa, this logistical growth strengthens Rabat’s strategic weight on one of the main maritime routes linking the Atlantic to the Mediterranean.
He also focuses on long-range artillery. Ten American HIMARS launchers are included in the US logistical planning for fiscal year 2027 for Morocco. The general also mentions ATACMS missiles, with a range of up to 300 kilometers, and the Israeli PULS systems acquired by the Royal Armed Forces.
Mobile missiles to defend the Strait
In response to this development, Argumosa is calling on Spain to reinforce the units stationed in Sebta, prepare reinforcements that can be rapidly deployed from the mainland, and improve surveillance and intelligence capabilities. Above all, he advocates deploying mobile missile launchers on both shores of the Strait to secure shipping.
The former general frames these recommendations in his reading of Morocco’s territorial claims. He presents “Greater Morocco” as an ambition he attributes to Rabat, targeting Sebta and Melilla in particular, and criticizes Spanish authorities for their lack of firmness.
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Finally, he argues for closer ties between Madrid and its Western allies, particularly the United States and NATO, highlighting the strategic role of the Spanish bases at Rota and Morón.
