Spain installs anti-drone systems on islands claimed by Morocco

The Spanish army has installed anti-drone systems on islands also claimed by Morocco, according to Spanish online publication El Confidencial Digital. The islands include Chafarinas (Jaâfarine Islands), located 3km off the coast of Ras el Ma in the Mediterranean. Other small islands, such as Vélez de la Gomera and Alhucemas, could also receive these systems, the publication adds.

The Spanish army has declined to comment on the details of the deployment, citing security reasons. «As a general rule, we do not provide details on deployments, quantities of weapons, or the specific characteristics of the equipment deployed», a military spokesperson said.

Previously, in February 2022, the Spanish government responded to a senator's question by acknowledging Morocco's right to install missiles and drones near Ceuta, Melilla, and other disputed islands. The government, led by Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, clarified that Morocco has the right to manage the surveillance of its borders with the means it deems appropriate.