Spain Cites NATO and EU Guarantees as Morocco Eyes 430-Kilometer Missiles
Morocco is reportedly negotiating to buy ballistic missiles and a new Israeli air-defense shield. Asked about the plans, Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares cited NATO and European Union protection for Sebta and Melilla.
“The security and defense of our entire territorial integrity are guaranteed by NATO and our membership in the European Union.” On Wednesday, 21 October, José Manuel Albares responded this way on Spanish public television to a question about Morocco’s future weapons, reports RTVE.
On Bladi.net : Morocco Seeks Israeli Missile Defense System with 300-Kilometer Range, but Needs US Approval
Two programs have been reported by the Spanish press. The first is the Israeli LORA ballistic missile, whose manufacturer says it can reach a range of up to 430 kilometers. The second is the “David’s Sling” missile defense system, designed to intercept aerial threats. Rabat is negotiating these acquisitions, according to reports published in recent weeks.
For Madrid, the issue goes beyond the capabilities of these weapons. Asked about the security of Sebta and Melilla, Albares said he had received European support “without reservations.”
A political guarantee, a legal wrinkle
Article 5 of the NATO treaty provides for the collective defense of allies in the event of an armed attack. Article 6 defines a geographic scope that does not expressly mention the Spanish cities located in Africa. It also covers certain attacks against allied forces, ships or aircraft in the Mediterranean.
In September, a senior NATO official said the allies would give Madrid political support in the event of a serious crisis in Sebta or Melilla, while highlighting this difficulty of interpretation.
On Bladi.net : Ceuta and Melilla without protection? Why NATO could let Morocco act without intervening!
The European Union has its own mutual assistance clause. Its Article 42(7) requires member states to assist a country that has been the victim of armed aggression. Albares also pointed to measures intended to strengthen Frontex’s presence and the representation of both cities on the European Committee of the Regions.
Morocco’s negotiations over the “David’s Sling” shield also have an American dimension. Developed jointly by Israel and the United States, the system requires Washington’s authorization for export.
