Marrakech – Morocco’s Royal Armed Forces (FAR) have successfully tested an Israeli-made EXTRA guided missile in the southeastern region of the country. According to Hebrew sources, the missile hit its target with high precision at its maximum operational range of 150 kilometers.
The test involved firing an EXTRA guided missile with a 306mm caliber, equipped with a 120kg warhead. This remarkable advancement in Morocco’s missile capabilities comes after the acquisition of PULS rocket launchers from Israeli defense manufacturer Elbit Systems.
The multi-mission launcher system is also capable of firing Predator Hawk short-range missiles with a range of up to 300 kilometers and a caliber of 370mm. This acquisition substantially enhances the strategic defense and strike capabilities of the FAR.
The missile test is part of Morocco’s plans to modernize its military capabilities and improve the readiness of its precision missile systems.
During the exercise, one of the EXTRA missiles reached its maximum range and hit its target with high accuracy, reflecting substantial progress in the FAR’s long-range strike precision.
Morocco signed a deal with Israel’s Elbit Systems in 2023 for the supply of PULS multiple rocket launcher systems worth approximately $150 million, expected to be delivered over three years.
This agreement is part of broader defense cooperation between Rabat and Tel Aviv since the renewal of relations in 2020.
At the same time, anti-normalization groups within Morocco have intensified their calls to sever such ties, framing military cooperation as contradictory to Israel’s ongoing genocide in Gaza, the IOF’s operations in the region, and Rabat’s substantial efforts to support the Palestinian cause.
According to recent converging reports, Morocco is negotiating with Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) to acquire Harpy and Harop loitering munitions, commonly known as “suicide drones.” The deal, estimated at $120 million, could include between 200-300 units.
These sophisticated systems, first introduced to FAR in limited numbers in 2022, have operational ranges of 500-1,000 kilometers and are designed to target high-value assets.
The Harpy specializes in radar suppression with RF sensors, while the more versatile Harop features electro-optical systems allowing it to strike various strategic targets, including advanced air defense systems, in day and night conditions.
For shorter-range missions, between 50 and 300 kilometers, the FAR already possess other cost-effective loitering munitions, such as the SpyX and the Sky Striker.
In February, Morocco reportedly chose to purchase Israeli weapons over French ones. The country acquired 36 Atmos 2000 self-propelled artillery systems from Elbit Systems, preferring the Israeli manufacturer over the French company KNDS, which had previously been a major armament partner for the Moroccan army.
According to Israeli news outlet Globes, Morocco is currently negotiating with Elbit Systems for a sophisticated weapons package for its newly acquired armored personnel carriers (APCs), as part of expanding security cooperation with Israel.
As reported in June, Elbit has emerged as the frontrunner to supply advanced 105mm and 120mm turrets for the WhAP (Wheeled Armored Platform) 8×8 vehicles that Rabat purchased from the Indian corporation Tata.
The Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) noted that Israel has become Morocco’s third-largest arms supplier, with Morocco now obtaining 11% of its military equipment from the Hebrew state.
This includes agreements for the delivery of the Barak 8 anti-missile defense system, Elbit Hermes drones, and a spy satellite system.
Other notable players in Morocco’s defense acquisitions include BlueBird, 50% owned by IAI since 2020, which has supplied various products to Morocco, such as SpyX loitering munitions and the advanced WonderB and ThunderB systems – vertical takeoff and landing unmanned aerial platforms.
According to statements from BlueBird CEO Ronen Nadir in April last year, the company has established a local production line in Morocco, aligning with the country’s strategic objective to develop domestic manufacturing capabilities while importing cutting-edge Israeli defense technologies.
Rafael is also active in Morocco, reportedly selling the “Spyder” air defense system to the country in 2023.
Read also: French Firm KNDS Says Morocco’s Shift to Israeli Artillery Was Technical, Not Political
