Eight Israeli defense companies are set to participate in the Marrakech International Air Show, taking place from October 7 to 10 at the Royal Air Force base. This participation highlights a significant expansion in military cooperation between Morocco and Israel, moving beyond mere exchanges of expertise to encompass the acquisition of advanced military systems. Among the wide range of military systems being presented are long-range missiles, precision-guided bombs, loitering munitions, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), air defense systems, and military communications technologies.
Participating companies include the Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), Elbit Systems, Rafael, along with XTEND, Shilat, UVision, Osio Technologies, and Orbit Technologies. These companies aim to showcase models of their products and technological capabilities within the defense industry, emphasizing the advancements in military technology. A standout weapon that is expected to attract attention is the LORA (Long Range Artillery) missile, developed by IAI. This ground-to-ground missile is designed for precise strikes and boasts a range of 90 to 430 kilometers, with capabilities for launch from both land and sea platforms, allowing it to target military installations, command centers, and fortified positions.
Elbit Systems will present its PULS artillery rocket system, capable of launching various types of missiles and guided munitions, including the Predator Hawk, which has a range of up to 300 kilometers. Rafael will showcase the SPICE 2000 system, which equips conventional bombs with precision guidance, achieving a range of approximately 60 kilometers and adaptable warheads for different targets.
In the realm of loitering munitions, the HERO family produced by UVision will be featured, which includes the HERO 400, designed for operations from land, sea, and air platforms. The Israeli Aerospace Industries will also display the Heron MK2 UAV, in addition to air defense systems and satellite communications technologies. Beyond direct weaponry, Shilat will offer laser seekers for guided munitions, while Osio Technologies develops navigation systems for UAVs that do not rely on satellite navigation. Orbit Technologies specializes in military satellite communications equipment.
This participation takes on additional significance given the growing military ties between Rabat and Tel Aviv in recent years. Morocco made headlines in 2022 with a deal to acquire the Barak MX air defense system for nearly $500 million and also secured PULS rocket launchers in a deal estimated at around $150 million, linked to EXTRA missiles with a range of up to 150 kilometers. Cooperation extends to UAVs, with the Royal Moroccan Armed Forces obtaining the WanderB and ThunderB systems from Bluebird for use in reconnaissance, border monitoring, troop protection, and artillery support. Thus, Israel's participation in the Marrakech Air Show is not merely a commercial endeavor but a showcase of the diversity of Israeli defense industries and the expanding scope of military collaboration between the two nations.
As reported by i24news.tv.
