Morocco Strengthens Defence Capabilities with Acquisition of Advanced Earth Observation Satellites from Israel
Morocco has finalised a deal with Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) to acquire two cutting-edge Earth Observation satellites in a significant move to bolster its intelligence and surveillance capabilities. Announced by Military Africa, the agreement is valued at approximately USD 1 billion and is a strategic step toward enhancing Morocco’s capacity to monitor and address geopolitical challenges in the region.
Replacing the Mohammed VI Satellites
This acquisition marks a pivotal moment in Morocco’s ongoing efforts to upgrade its space-based intelligence infrastructure. The new satellites are set to replace the Mohammed VI-A and Mohammed VI-B satellites developed by the Airbus Defence and Space France and Thales Alenia Space France consortium. Replacing these satellites is part of Morocco’s broader strategy to diversify and strengthen the Royal Armed Forces’ capabilities across air, ground, naval, and space domains.
Introducing the Ofek 13 (Ofeq-13) Reconnaissance Satellites
The newly acquired satellites, known as Ofek 13, are expected to be operational within five years and will bring significant advancements in reconnaissance technology. These satellites are equipped with Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) technology, allowing high-resolution imaging with a resolution of up to 0.5 meters. Unlike traditional optical satellites, SAR technology enables satellites to capture images in any weather condition, day or night, making them a reliable tool for continuous surveillance.
The ability of SAR to penetrate vegetation and soil is particularly valuable, as it allows for detecting hidden ground features. This capability is essential for creating accurate topographic maps, which can be used for various applications, including border security, monitoring civil unrest, and supporting disaster management efforts. Therefore, by providing detailed and reliable information, these satellites will enable the Moroccan government to respond swiftly to potential conflicts, manage natural resources more effectively, and address environmental and land use issues.
Enhancing National Security and Governance
Deploying the Ofek 13 satellites is expected to significantly enhance Morocco’s ability to monitor its borders and ensure national security. The high-resolution images provided by the satellites will allow for better detection and response to threats, contributing to a more secure and stable region. Additionally, the satellites will support Morocco’s efforts to manage and mitigate the impact of natural disasters, ultimately protecting vulnerable populations. Moreover, the SAR technology’s capacity to provide transparent and verifiable data will be crucial in promoting evidence-based policymaking. Thus, by enabling informed decisions, the new satellites will foster public trust in government actions and help reduce tensions within the country.
A Broader Defence Partnership
The acquisition of these satellites is part of a broader defence cooperation between Morocco and Israel, which has been growing since the two countries formalised their defence ties in late 2021. Between August and November 2021, Morocco and Israel signed three accords on political consultations, aviation, and culture. This was Israel’s first-ever defence MoU with an Arab country, allowing for smoother cooperation between their defence establishments and making it easier for Israel to sell arms to the North African nation.
This partnership encompasses intelligence sharing, collaboration in military industries, and procurement of advanced defence technologies. In addition, the acquisition of the Ofek 13 satellites underscores the depth of this cooperation and highlights Morocco’s commitment to strengthening its defence capabilities through strategic international partnerships.