Shifting Dynamics in the Gibraltar Strait
The Gibraltar Strait is currently undergoing significant transformations that are not the result of abrupt changes, but rather a series of agreements, military purchases, and training initiatives that are augmenting Morocco's influence on Europe's southern flank. The primary takeaway from these developments is evident: Rabat is increasingly aligning itself with the military standards of both the United States and NATO. While Spain maintains an advantage, it can no longer afford to view its neighbor as stagnant. The anticipated arrival of the F-35 fighter jet remains unconfirmed publicly, which is a critical aspect of the situation.
Recently, Morocco and the United States formalized a new defense cooperation roadmap covering the period from 2026 to 2036. According to the Maghreb Arab Press Agency, this agreement was finalized following a Moroccan delegation's visit to Washington, which included Abdellatif Loudiyi, the head of the National Defense Administration, and General Mohammed Berrid, the Inspector General of the Royal Armed Forces. Washington's message was straightforward; Undersecretary Elbridge Colby stated that this roadmap "will guide our historic defense relationship over the next decade," highlighting the significance of this longstanding alliance.
Enhancing Military Interoperability
A crucial term in this context is interoperability. While it may sound technical, it refers to the ability of two armies to share data, communicate, and operate together efficiently, much like two mobile phones using the same network without needing unusual adapters. The most visible aspect of Morocco's military modernization is the acquisition of AH-64E Apache helicopters. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) authorized a potential sale of up to 36 units in 2019, with an estimated cost of $4.25 billion, including Hellfire missiles, Stinger missiles, and Link-16 communication equipment. An Apache helicopter is not merely an armed aircraft; it is an advanced attack platform capable of locating targets, coordinating with drones, and operating in low visibility conditions, significantly enhancing Morocco's military capabilities for border, desert, and coastal surveillance.
Moreover, one must interpret official language carefully. The documents mention "potential sales" because the U.S. authorization does not always align with final delivery, the agreed price, or the definitive number of units. Nevertheless, it establishes a clear political trajectory. The military enhancements do not stop at aerial capabilities. In 2023, the U.S. approved a potential sale of 18 HIMARS systems to Morocco, along with ATACMS missiles and guided rockets, which are mobile launchers capable of striking targets at greater distances with significantly improved precision compared to conventional artillery. Another critical authorization came in 2024, which included 612 Javelin missiles and 200 launch units, designed to counter armored vehicles and strengthen ground defense.
The package also encompasses AMRAAM air-to-air missiles, GBU-39B small guided bombs, and up to 600 Stinger missiles approved in 2025. The DSCA emphasizes that these sales aim to enhance Morocco's capabilities against current and future threats without upsetting the basic military balance in the region. The F-35, a fifth-generation stealth fighter jet, garners significant media attention due to its advanced capabilities designed to evade radar detection and integrate data from various sensors into a single image for the pilot. However, it is important to temper expectations. While the DSCA's public list of major military sales to Morocco includes missiles, bombs, and recent systems, there has yet to be any public notification of an F-35 sale to Rabat. Thus, discussing confirmed shipments would extend beyond what is currently indicated by available official sources.
Nonetheless, should Morocco eventually acquire the F-35, it would not simply add a modern aircraft to its fleet; it would gain advanced sensors, data connectivity, and air command capabilities that align well with Washington's strategic objectives. For Spain, the concern does not lie in the immediate military superiority of Morocco. The Spanish Navy continues to pursue advanced naval programs, such as the F-110 frigates and S-80 submarines, while the Ministry of Defense maintains numerous modernization initiatives aligned with NATO standards. The issue is more nuanced. Each new Moroccan military system reduces the technological gap that previously seemed much wider. Practically, more missiles, superior helicopters, and secure communications enable Rabat to respond more swiftly and coordinate more effectively with the United States.
The impact of the African Lion exercise, the largest annual military drill conducted by the U.S. in Africa, also plays a role. AFRICOM presents it as its most significant joint exercise, designed to enhance coordination between U.S. forces, NATO allies, and African partners. The Strait has always represented more than just the water separating two shores; it embodies commerce, migration, energy, maritime surveillance, and defense. When a player on the other side enhances their capabilities, Spain cannot simply sit back and wait. This does not signal an immediate crisis but rather points to a decade of soft, sustained, and closely monitored strategic competition. Morocco gains maneuverability, the United States solidifies a key partner in North Africa, and Spain must recalibrate its assessment of the southern flank, moving away from past inertia.
As reported by okdiario.com.
