Morocco has signed an agreement with Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) to acquire two Earth Observation satellites, in a deal valued at approximately $1bn, according to a report by Military Africa.
This acquisition is a key milestone in Morocco’s ongoing initiative to upgrade its space-based intelligence infrastructure. The newly purchased satellites, designated as Ofek 13, will replace the existing Mohammed VI-A and Mohammed VI-B satellites, which were developed by Airbus Defence and Space France and Thales Alenia Space France. The replacement is part of Morocco’s broader strategy to diversify and bolster the Royal Armed Forces’ capabilities across various domains, including air, ground, naval and space.
The Ofek 13 satellites are expected to become operational within five years and will offer significant advancements in reconnaissance technology. Equipped with Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) technology, these satellites will provide high-resolution imaging with up to 0.5-meter precision.
SAR’s ability to penetrate vegetation and soil is particularly valuable for detecting hidden ground features, essential for creating accurate topographic maps. This capability will support various applications, including border security, civil unrest monitoring and disaster management. The detailed and reliable information provided by these satellites will enable the Moroccan government to respond swiftly to potential conflicts, manage natural resources effectively, and address environmental and land use issues.
The deployment of the Ofek 13 satellites is expected to significantly enhance Morocco’s border monitoring and national security capabilities. The high-resolution images will improve the detection and response to threats, contributing to regional stability. Additionally, the satellites will aid Morocco in managing natural disasters, ultimately protecting vulnerable populations. The transparent and verifiable data provided by SAR technology will also promote evidence-based policymaking, fostering public trust in government actions and helping to reduce internal tensions.
This satellite acquisition is part of a broader defence collaboration between Morocco and Israel, which has deepened since the two countries formalised their defence ties in late 2021. The partnership includes intelligence sharing, military industry collaboration, and the procurement of advanced defence technologies. The acquisition of the Ofek 13 satellites underscores the depth of this cooperation and highlights Morocco’s commitment to strengthening its defence capabilities through strategic international partnerships.
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