Morocco powers advanced air defence in Rabat and Sahara
The Barak MX integrated air defense system (via IAI)
As Morocco steams ahead with its sovereignty claim over Western Sahara, it also continues to ramp up its air defence systems, working closely with an Israeli firm, according to Israeli press reports.
Morocco has completed the deployment of an advanced air defence system called Barak MX from Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), according to satellite images published by independent researchers, reported Globes, Israeli Business News, on January 14th.
The activation of the system started earlier this year, according to Israeli media reports and satellite images, where Morocco powered the Barak MX to operational readiness discreetly, Army Recognition Group reported on January 7th.
Morocco acquired the Barak MX system in 2022, following its signing of the Abraham Accords in December 2020 and normalisation of relations with Israel. The Kingdom also signed a defence partnership with Israel more recently in January 2026, with Israel’s defence contractor Elbit Systems already being one of Morocco’s main weapon suppliers.
Morocco, along with the UAE, has become a major importer of Israeli defence goods. According to data from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), between 2020 and 2024, Israel moved to third place in Morocco’s biggest defence imports, just behind France, within a short span of time; and as of 2025, has overtaken France as a defence partner.
The Barak MX air defence system is one of the most sought-after systems, which integrates multiple radars and launchers to defend against fighter jets, helicopters, drones, cruise missiles, and both surface-to-air and surface-to-surface missiles. Satellite imagery shows the Barak MX deployed at the Sidi Yahya air defence base, about 60 kilometres northeast of Rabat. The system is also operational in the Sahara region, with its first successful missile interception witnessed in the Sahara in 2023.
With Morocco’s sovereignty over Western Sahara being supported as the most feasible option by the UN, tensions between Algeria and Morocco have been high. Analysts have warned of possible escalation, explaining why Rabat is investing in air-defence systems; to protect command centres, air bases, critical infrastructure, and deter potential threats. In this context, advanced air defences are not just about shooting down incoming weapons, but also limiting pressure from rivals and buying time for political and military decisions in a crisis where drones and precision strikes can come with little warning.
Morocco began receiving parts of the Barak MX system in 2023, with electronic and radar signatures being detected in late 2025. Beyond the missiles, the partnership has expanded into industry, with Israeli companies setting up production and assembly facilities in Morocco. This reinforced Rabat’s ambition to pair air defence with domestic defence manufacturing capacity.
The IAI’s subsidiary Bluebird has also inaugurated a factory on the outskirts of Casablanca for the production of SpyX suicide drones. Being the first of its kind in the whole MENA region, the project trains Moroccan engineers for local assembly and maintenance.
Morocco’s defence budget increased to $15.7 billion in 2026, a 17.6% increased compared to 2025, and Israel’s defence industry continues to penetrate the African market through Morocco. While trade and security partnerships between Israel and Morocco gain momentum, Rabat continues to balance the public discontent of Israeli relations with the government’s policy.
Globes, Army Recognition Group, Yabiladi, Maghrebi.org
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