Morocco could soon acquire LORA ballistic missiles from Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), as negotiations between the Israeli defense manufacturer and Rabat have reportedly reached an advanced stage, Israeli financial newspaper Calcalist reported on October 8.
Citing sources from the defense industry, the newspaper described the talks as serious and advanced. However, neither a final contract nor its potential value or delivery schedule has been publicly confirmed.
If concluded, the deal would add a new capability to Morocco’s expanding arsenal of precision-strike weapons and reinforce its efforts to modernize the Royal Armed Forces.
LORA could complement Morocco’s existing missile systems
The LORA is a ballistic missile system designed to strike high-value strategic targets with precision. It has a reported range of approximately 500 kilometers and can carry a warhead that weighs between 400 and 600 kilograms. IAI first tested the system in 2017.
A potential acquisition would fit into Morocco’s broader efforts to expand its long-range strike capabilities. The LORA could complement several rocket and missile systems in the kingdom’s arsenal, including the American HIMARS, Israeli-made PULS multiple-launch rocket systems, and China’s PHL-03 multiple rocket launcher.
The US Army has scheduled the start of its support for Morocco’s HIMARS system for fiscal year 2027, according to reports on the planned program.
While these platforms offer different capabilities, the addition of LORA could give Morocco another option for precision ballistic strikes at long distances. Any such role would depend on the conclusion of a contract, delivery of the missiles, and their eventual integration into the Royal Armed Forces’ operational structure.
IAI showcased the LORA system at the Marrakech Air Show 2026, which opened Wednesday at the Royal Moroccan Air Force base in Marrakech. Eight Israeli defense companies participated in the event for the first time.
Reports point to advanced talks between Rabat and IAI
Calcalist’s October 8 report follows earlier coverage of Morocco’s interest in the missile system. In mid-September, Israeli financial newspaper Globes reported on Rabat’s interest in the LORA and raised the possibility of its integration with American HIMARS launchers.
That possibility remains speculative. The reports do not confirm that Morocco intends to integrate the two systems or that the manufacturers have agreed to such an arrangement.
Globes also cited IAI’s stated objectives for its participation in the Marrakech Air Show, which include local cooperation, industrial partnerships, exchanges of expertise, and technology transfers.
These priorities reflect the company’s broader approach to international defense partnerships. However, IAI’s general interest in technology cooperation does not constitute a commitment to transfer technology to Morocco as part of a potential LORA deal.
Israeli defense industry expands its presence in Morocco
The reported LORA negotiations would build on a series of Moroccan acquisitions of Israeli military technology since the two countries restored diplomatic ties in December 2020.
Morocco has acquired Elbit Systems’ PULS multiple-launch rocket system and IAI’s Barak MX air defense system. Foreign media have also reported that the North African country purchased a spy satellite from IAI in a deal worth approximately $1 billion. More recently, reports indicated that Morocco deployed Rafael’s Spyder air defense system.
According to Calcalist, Israeli defense exports to Morocco have exceeded $2 billion since the start of the decade. Data from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) places Israel among Morocco’s leading arms suppliers, behind the United States and France.
The potential LORA purchase would add to this expanding portfolio and further diversify Morocco’s sources of military technology. For now, however, the proposed agreement remains unconfirmed, with its financial terms, delivery schedule, and operational implications yet to be established.
