Morocco has officially activated its Barak MX air and missile defense system, a significant development following its procurement through a foreign military sale with Israel in 2022. Israeli media sources have reported that the system’s operational status has been validated through satellite imagery, which detected electronic signatures indicating its complete integration.
Developed by Israel Aerospace Industries, the Barak MX is designed to provide a comprehensive defensive shield capable of intercepting various aerial threats, including drones, aircraft, cruise missiles, and ballistic threats, with an impressive range of up to 150 kilometers (93 miles). This capability enhances Morocco’s military readiness in a region increasingly concerned about aerial threats.
The delivery of the system’s components commenced in 2023, showcasing the swift integration process facilitated by growing cooperation between Rabat and Israel. Sources familiar with the situation have characterized Morocco’s new defense capability as the “Iron Dome of the desert,” underscoring its importance in strengthening airspace control, particularly over southern regions and the Sahara.
The activation of the Barak MX comes at a time when neighboring countries are increasingly wary of the proliferation of drones and loitering munitions, as evidenced by recent conflicts. Analysts have pointed to non-state actors, notably the Algeria-backed Polisario Front, as part of the justification for this enhanced defense system, given their previous use of unmanned aerial systems.
In addition to the deployment of advanced military technology, the partnership between Morocco and Israel has also ventured into local defense production. Last November, Israeli manufacturer BlueBird Aero Systems established a factory in Benslimane focused on producing SpyX kamikaze drones. This facility represents the first Israeli defense manufacturing presence in North Africa, marking a significant step in Israel’s strategy to extend its defense industrial capacity beyond its borders.
