Omanghana
Morocco is reportedly holding advanced negotiations with Israel Aerospace Industries over the possible purchase of its LORA ballistic missile system, a move that could significantly expand the country’s long-range strike capabilities.
Israeli newspaper Calcalist reported on October 8, 2026, that discussions were at a serious stage. However, no final agreement, contract value or number of missile systems has been publicly confirmed.
The potential acquisition forms part of Morocco’s broader military modernization program and comes against a backdrop of longstanding rivalry with neighboring Algeria.
LORA, short for Long-Range Artillery, is a precision-guided missile system intended to engage strategic targets at considerable distances. It uses satellite and inertial navigation to guide its missiles and is designed for deployment from land and maritime platforms.
Reports surrounding the negotiations have also suggested that Morocco is considering integrating the missiles with U.S.-made High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems, known as HIMARS. However, the proposed integration and its technical feasibility have not been publicly confirmed.
If an agreement is reached, the acquisition could broaden Morocco’s military options while strengthening its growing defense relationship with Israel.
Rabat’s military investment has unfolded alongside persistent tensions with Algeria, particularly over Western Sahara. Morocco claims sovereignty over the disputed territory, while Algeria supports the Polisario Front, which seeks independence.
Both countries have continued to invest in their armed forces. Algeria has relied heavily on Russian and Chinese equipment, while Morocco has sought weapons and defense partnerships from a wider range of suppliers, including the United States, France and Israel.
Defense cooperation between Morocco and Israel has expanded since the two countries normalized relations in 2020 under the Abraham Accords framework. Their relationship has increasingly included military technology, procurement and industrial cooperation.
The reported LORA discussions also come amid a more visible Israeli defense industry presence in Morocco. Israel’s Ministry of Defense and companies including IAI, Elbit Systems and Rafael have reportedly participated in an official Israeli national pavilion at the Marrakech Air Show.
Figures attributed to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute place Israel as Morocco’s third-largest arms supplier, behind the United States and France, accounting for more than 10 per cent of its weapons imports during the period cited.
Although the missile negotiations remain unfinished, they point to Morocco’s continued interest in expanding its military capabilities and deepening defense partnerships amid regional tensions.
Source: Omanghana
