Spain to upgrade security of Mediterranean islets claimed by Morocco

The Spanish Ministry of Defense is planning to equip the Mediterranean islets claimed by Morocco with new aerial beacon and strategic satellite communication systems, reports OK Diario.

The program, costing around 600,000 euros, will ensure that the military units deployed in Vélez de la Gomera, Alhucemas and Chafarinas considerably improve their capabilities.

Following the high-level Moroccan-Spanish meeting held in Rabat on February 1-2, 2023, the Spanish Ministry of Defense earmarked 144,230 euros for the renovation of communication systems and radars installed in these areas, compared with just 90,000 euros in 2022.

These efforts follow NATO's refusal, at its June 2022 summit in Madrid, to include Ceuta and Melilla, as well as the Mediterranean islets claimed by Morocco, in its protection zone. The creation, in January 2022, of the Eastern Zone of the Royal Armed Forces (FAR) had also contributed to the launch of this program to secure the islets.