Summary:

On 10 February 2025, reports indicated that Morocco ordered 36 ATMOS 2000 artillery units from the Israeli defense firm Elbit Systems. According to French Media outlet, La Tribune, the deal with Elbit Systems was made instead of renewing an existing contract with France’s KNDS Caeser for their self-propelled howitzer system. Morocco had prior issues with the French artillery systems that had reportedly gone unaddressed by the manufacturer.

Meanwhile, Morocco received the first batch of the Turkish Bayraktar Akinci drones. The drones will be used to provide extended air defense and for reconnaissance missions. This drone system includes air-to-air radar, satellite communication and autonomous take-off and landing capabilities.

To complement this new acquisition, Morocco recently announced the opening of a new Bayraktar production site constructed in the Benslimane region.              

Outlook: 

Moroccan orders of Israeli and Turkish armaments are likely to be justified by threats posed by the separatist Polisario Front in Western Sahara and militant groups that have traditionally operated in the border region with Algeria. The new weapons are likely to serve as a tool to deter hostile groups from aggression or encroachments on Moroccan soil.

Morocco is also likely to become a hub for Turkish drone production and maintenance as many African countries remain interested in acquiring Turkish systems or expanding their fleets.

However, the military power gained by purchasing Israeli weapons could result in a soft power loss as many Arab and Maghrebi populations remain deeply opposed to Israel and its actions in Gaza, the broader Palestinian territory, and Lebanon.

Additionally, these defense acquisitions reflect the arms race that continues between Algeria and Morocco as both are seeking international partners to acquire new systems and build national production units. Algeria is likely to respond by purchasing other Russian equipment and accelerating its cooperation with Italy to construct helicopters and navy ships.

Explore our services or speak with our team of North Africa-based risk experts.