According to Military Africa the Royal Navy of Morocco is planning to procure advanced missile systems from Israel in order to modernize its fleet and improve its defence capabilities. As part of these modernization measures, two types of ships are to be equipped with the Spike NLOS and Barak 8 missile systems. The ships in question are the Floréal-class surveillance frigates “Mohammed V” and “Hassan II”, as well as the recently acquired offshore patrol vessels Avante 1800.
Currently, the two Floréal-class ships are equipped with Exocet anti-ship missiles and Mistral missiles for close-in defense. The addition of Rafael’s Spike NLOS (Non-Line-of-Sight) missiles to the Navy’s arsenal would reflect the strategic ambition to strengthen naval forces in the face of evolving security challenges in the Mediterranean and North Africa. With a range of 32 kilometers, the Spike-NLOS can precisely hit targets at sea or on land.
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“This potential upgrade would significantly enhance the frigates’ offensive capabilities and enable them to combat a wider range of threats, including those posed by terrorist groups and criminal organizations in the region,” writes Military Africa. In addition, the Spike missile family, which is already in its sixth generation, is known for its adaptability to various platforms – such as portable, vehicle-borne, helicopter-borne and maritime variants.
At the same time, this agreement would be proof of the deepening of defense relations between Morocco and Israel, which has been driven forward since the diplomatic rapprochement following the Abraham Accords of 2020. The two nations signed a defense pact back in 2021. Since then, the Royal Moroccan Armed Forces (FAR) have acquired numerous items of Israeli equipment, with LR II and NLOS Spike missiles already delivered in June this year. Barak 8 systems have also been part of such an agreement.
The Spike missiles were originally purchased for the Avante 1800-class patrol boats. The integration into the Floréal-class frigates, which is now being considered, would represent a strategic expansion of their operational range. At the same time, Morocco is examining the integration of the Barak 8 missile system into its new Avante 1800-class offshore patrol boats designed by Spanish shipbuilder Navantia.
These 89-meter-long modern warships, specially designed for coastal and deep-sea operations, are equipped with advanced systems such as a 3D radar, electronic warfare capabilities and missile launchers. In addition, the ships have a stealthy hull design and can be operated with a reduced crew. With the integration of the Barak-8 system developed by Israel Aerospace Industries, Morocco aims to strengthen its air defense capabilities against a variety of threats such as aircraft, drones and missiles.
In recent years, Morocco has perceived a threat from neighboring Algeria and increased military activity in the Mediterranean. The country has responded by stationing its warships off the north coast. By integrating Israeli missile systems into its ships, Morocco hopes to further underline this commitment.
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