Morocco and Israel deepen military ties with defense industry collaboration

Security and military cooperation between Morocco and Israel continues to deepen. «At the initiative of Tel Aviv, high-ranking Moroccan army officials recently took part in a meeting with Israeli defense companies. Such visits have multiplied in recent months», reports Africa Intelligence.

In early August, a Moroccan high command delegation was invited by the Directorate of Research and Development of the Israeli Ministry of Defense (MAFAT). Under the supervision of General Daniel Gold, renowned for his missile and drone projects, MAFAT organized demonstrations with leading companies in Israel’s defense sector. These included Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), one of the largest public conglomerates in the industry, as well as Sentrycs and D-Fend Solutions, which specialize in anti-drone warfare, and Smart Shooter, a manufacturer of light weapons, according to the same source.

«The stated goal is to pave the way for direct acquisitions and future joint projects in sensitive areas such as artificial intelligence and military cybersecurity», the outlet adds.

In March, another Moroccan delegation visited Israel under the direction of Sibat, the international cooperation agency of the Israeli Ministry of Defense. On that occasion, Moroccan officials were briefed on the capabilities of firms such as Elbit Systems and Steadicopter. Israeli companies later traveled to Morocco to continue negotiations, notes Africa Intelligence.

As reported by Yabiladi on August 13, a Moroccan security source confirmed that «the Royal Armed Forces (FAR) are considering ordering Israeli Harpy and Harop drones. Negotiations between the Moroccan side and IAI have been underway for several months, with the contract potentially exceeding $100 million».

Rabat and Tel Aviv signed a military and security cooperation agreement in November 2021.