New MoU further cements Israel-Morocco defence ties
Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) and the Moroccan trade and industry ministry signed an MoU in Rabat on 23 March ‘to promote dynamic and innovative bilateral economic cooperation in the fields of investment and technology’.
This partnership is part of the implementation of the Joint Declaration between Morocco and Israel signed on 22 December 2020 in Rabat, IAI added in a 23 March statement.
The two countries signed an MoU for defence cooperation and intelligence-sharing in November 2021, and Shephard reported in December 2021 that warmer diplomatic relations between Israel and Morocco are likely to result in the sale of advanced defence equipment to the North African country.
Shephard Defence Insight notes that Morocco acquired four Elbit Hermes 900 multi-role MALE UAVs in 2021.
One of the features of the Israel-Morocco MoU is a commitment to share technology. Morocco intends not only to expand its UAV fleet (as shown by two deals this year to buy Bayraktar TB2s) but also to grow its domestic production capabilities via technology transfer.
More from Defence Notes
-
US lawmakers warn that “more military spending is absolutely necessary” to ensure Pentagon’s readiness
The US Congress has raised concerns about how inflation rates and cuts in main acquisition programmes could affect the US military.
-
Can the US overcome Russian and Chinese nuclear capabilities?
Washington’s ageing inventory and the pace Moscow and Beijing have been modernising their capabilities put in check the US Nuclear deterrence.
-
US FY2024 funding package passes as China closes military capability gap
The Pentagon has been operating under temporary funding since October 2023, which has impacted its main acquisition and development programmes, increasing the capability gap between the US and China.
-
NATO outlines future challenges as Ukrainian funding from US stalls
In 2023, defence spending increased by an unprecedented 11% across European NATO countries and Canada. Since 2014, the group has spent an additional US$600 billion on defence.
-
US Pentagon to reduce investments in main acquisition programmes over FY2025
The DoD requested nearly US$850 billion to fund operations over the next fiscal year. Despite the amount being 1% higher than the FY2024 budget request, it has not covered the 3% inflation rate, which could impact the DoD’s main programmes in the medium and long term.