Morocco enters into $1bn contract to acquire Israel spy satellites

Morocco has entered into a lucrative contract to acquire Israeli surveillance satellites at an estimated $1 billion, further expanding ties between Rabat and Tel Aviv.

According to the outlet, Military Africa, last week, Morocco signed a contract with Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) for the supply of two Ofek 13s – IAI’s new advanced military reconnaissance satellites – over a period of five years until 2029.

The contract for the delivery of the new satellites, which has an estimated value of $1 billion, will replace Morocco’s current surveillance system based on technology by European companies, Airbus and Thales.

The report by Military Africa further seems to confirm earlier reports last month that Rabat had selected IAI as the company to replace its existing satellite system.

The Ofek 13 satellite, which was first launched into orbit in March 2023, is claimed to possess precise imaging capabilities even in adverse weather conditions due to its use of synthetic aperture radar, as well as offering both day and night surveillance with a resolution of up to 0.5 meters and an orbit period as short as 90 minutes.

Morocco will reportedly use its new Israeli-made satellite surveillance system for a variety of purposes, including the monitoring of borders, the gathering of critical intelligence and the detection of potential threats.

It is the latest deal Morocco has struck with Israel’s defence industry, marking a new step in collaboration between Rabat and Tel Aviv in the military and technology sectors.

READ: Deepening Moroccan-Israeli military ties: who is the enemy?