As Israel continues its military operations in Gaza, criticism has been pouring in from around the world. Many countries have witnessed large protest marches against Israel, and global opinion remains sharply divided. But in the middle of this intense backlash, one Muslim-majority nation has taken a surprising and controversial decision. Morocco has approved the setting up of an Israeli drone production facility on its soil. The government has cleared an Israeli defence company to build a factory that will manufacture tactical attack drones for military use.
According to report by The Economist, the plant will be established in partnership with a subsidiary of the Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI). For Morocco, this move represents a major step toward strengthening its defence relationship with Israel, even at a time when regional emotions are running high.
Protests Inside Morocco Over this Decision
Interestingly, the opposition to this decision is not limited to foreign countries. Morocco is facing criticism from its own citizens, many of whom are upset that their government is moving closer to Israel despite the situation in Gaza. Protest groups have questioned why the country would risk public anger and religious sentiments just to deepen defence ties.
However, the Moroccan government believes it has strong reasons to go ahead. Israeli weapons and defence technology are in high demand across the world, and Morocco sees strategic benefits in staying aligned. In 2024 alone, Israel sold around USD 1.7 billion worth of arms to the Muslim countries that signed the 2020 Abraham Accords. Morocco is now an important part of this growing defence cooperation.
Why Morocco Trusts Israeli Defence Technology
Morocco has been using its membership in the Abraham Accords to strengthen its military capabilities. Ever since signing the agreement in 2020 during former US President Donald Trump’s administration, the country has purchased several key defence systems from Israel.
These include artillery, air defence missiles and even an advanced surveillance satellite. According to defence analysts, these acquisitions have significantly improved Morocco’s ability to safeguard its borders.
The New Suicide Drone Facility
The latest step is the approval given to Israel’s BlueBird Aero Systems to set up a facility in Morocco. The company will manufacture the SpyX a lightweight suicide drone designed for precision strikes.
The SpyX can carry small explosive payloads, fly up to 50 kilometres, and stay in the air for nearly two hours. With a top speed of more than 250 kmph and advanced sensors for target identification, it is considered highly effective for tactical operations. Morocco’s military had already tested this system in March 2024, and the results were reportedly positive. This facility will be the first Israeli weapons factory in the Middle East and North Africa outside Israel itself.
Other Muslim Countries Strengthening Defence Ties With Israel
Morocco is not the only Muslim country expanding its defence partnership with Israel. The UAE has purchased two Israeli missile defence systems, one of which is already operational. Bahrain uses Israeli radar systems to secure its coastal areas. Even Indonesia, which has no formal political ties with Israel, buys certain types of Israeli defence equipment.
Israel’s cyber-surveillance tool Pegasus is also widely used in the region, including in the UAE, Bahrain and Saudi Arabia despite Saudi Arabia not having diplomatic relations with Israel.
