Israel Procures Barak MX Defense System for Morocco

Morocco started receiving, mid-2023, the first shipments of Israeli-made Barak MX anti-aircraft and missile defense system, reported the Royal Armed Forces (FAR) on its official Facebook page.
The delivery is part of a $500 million arms deal signed in February 2022 with leading aviation manufacturer “Israel Aerospace Industries” (IAI).
The system is designed to counter modern threats, including ballistic missiles, fighters, cruise missiles, drones, helicopters, and gliding bombs.
It includes the Barak MR (MRAD) interceptor, a single-pulse rocket engine, which intercepts missiles up to a 35-km distance.
It also contains Barak LR (LRAD), a dual-pulse rocket engine that can intercept missiles up to 70 kilometers; in addition to the Barak-ER dual-pulse rocket engine with a booster operating a range of 150 kilometers.
The system is also integrated with multiple land and naval radars.
Former head of Israel’s liaison office in Rabat Shai Cohen had said that Elbit Systems, an Israeli defense company, plans to open two drone manufacturing plants in Morocco.
The State of Israel recognized the sovereignty of Morocco over the Sahara and voiced its intent to open a consulate in Dakhla.
The Israeli-Moroccan resumption of ties occurred in December 2020 as part of the U.S.-brokered Abraham Accords.