Spain rules out changing defence strategy as Morocco embarks on $20bn arms program

The Spanish Ministry of Defence has ruled out modifying its defence strategy with regard to the cities of Ceuta and Melilla, after learning that Morocco has agreed to purchase military equipment from Turkey.

Recently, press reports stated that Rabat is negotiating with Turkey to buy 22 reconnaissance and attack helicopter T-129 at a cost of approximately $1.4 billion, in addition to 12 Turkish drones to monitor the borders of Ceuta and Melilla.

Earlier, a report entitled ‘Morocco, Gibraltar and the Military Threat to Spain’ prepared by the Institute for Security Studies (ISS) warned of the ambitious armament programme that Morocco has implemented in recent years, which includes the acquisition of military equipment to the value of $20 billion.

In her response to whether Madrid plans to change the defence strategy in Ceuta and Melilla in the face of the rearmament carried out by Morocco, Spanish Defence Minister Margarita Robles emphasised that “the neighbouring country deserves utmost respect.”

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She added that Spain’s defence policy adheres to the European Union and NATO’s positions, and implements the tasks carried out by the United Nations, while “Morocco does not belong to the European Union or NATO.”

Relations between Morocco and Spain have been tense following Madrid’s decision to host the leader of the Polisario Front, Brahim Ghali, who used a fake identity to enter the country in late April. The crisis was exacerbated by the influx of about 8,000 irregular migrants between 17 and 20 May to the other Spanish-controlled enclave in northern Morocco, the city of Ceuta.

Ceuta and Melilla, as well as Aljaferia Islands and other rocky islands in the Mediterranean, are still held by Spain. The government of Morocco regards them all as “occupied outposts”.