Spain Maintains Defense Strategy for Ceuta and Melilla Amid Moroccan Military Buildup

Spain does not seem to fear Morocco, which has been strengthening and modernizing its army for a few years and claims the autonomous cities of Ceuta and Melilla, because it considers that its defense policy is an integral part of that of the European Union and NATO.

To read: Morocco’s Acquisition of Turkish Combat Drones Raises Concerns in Spain

In an interview with Europa Press, Defense Minister Margarita Robles reaffirms Spain’s sovereignty over Ceuta and Melilla and assures that they are "Spanish territories just like any other city in Spain". "Morocco deserves our utmost respect," she said, stating that Spain does not intend to change its defense strategy in Ceuta and Melilla in the face of Morocco’s rearmament, simply because its defense policy is enshrined in that of the European Union and NATO.

To read: Morocco Bolsters Military with Turkish Drones Near Spanish Enclave

Robles adds that "Morocco is not a member of the EU or NATO" while Spain is a member of these two institutions and its army participates in UN peacekeeping missions. The minister also recalled the brief 29-second exchange that the head of the Spanish government, Pedro Sánchez, had with US President Joe Biden on the sidelines of the last NATO summit, announcing that Spain will host the organization’s next summit next year. This, according to her, is a "recognition by all countries" of Spain’s role in the Atlantic Alliance for 40 years. "This is proof that Spain is a serious and reliable country at the international level," she concluded.

To read: Morocco’s Military Modernization Raises Concerns in Spain

Morocco plans to acquire 22 Turkish attack helicopters worth €1.3 billion as well as 12 Turkish drones to monitor the borders of Ceuta and Melilla. In recent years, Morocco has rolled out its ambitious military strengthening program for which it has allocated more than $20 billion, as highlighted in the report entitled "Morocco, the Strait of Gibraltar and the military threat against Spain" by the Institute of Security and Culture.