Spain's Legislative Inquiry into Moroccan Military Capabilities
In a notable development in late May, lawmakers from the far-right Vox party posed a provocative question to the Spanish parliament: Is Madrid adequately prepared to counter a potential military strike from Morocco, particularly one utilizing Israeli-designed SpyX suicide drones? These drones are currently being manufactured locally through a collaboration between Morocco's Royal Armed Forces and the Israeli company BlueBird Aero Systems. Framed as a matter of national security, this inquiry reflects a significant shift in defense dynamics, illustrating how the influence of Israeli military technology is reshaping regional power equations.
The ongoing fiscal year of 2026 has revealed a stark contrast in defense strategies between Morocco and Algeria. Morocco has embarked on a path of qualitative modernization, earmarking an impressive $17.1 billion towards advanced military technologies and the establishment of a domestic defense sector in partnership with Israeli firms. In contrast, Algeria has allocated a staggering $25 billion for its military, which constitutes 20.6% of its national budget and nearly 9% of its GDP. This military expenditure surpasses both the education and healthcare budgets combined and is being financed through a central government deficit exceeding 10%.
Contrasting Defense Spending and Strategies in North Africa
Algeria's defense spending now ranks as the second highest in the world relative to GDP, second only to Ukraine, despite the latter being embroiled in an active conflict. Unlike Ukraine, Algeria's military buildup is a direct response to Morocco's acquisition of advanced weaponry, much of which is sourced from Israel. In the industrial zone of Benslimane, near Casablanca, BlueBird Aero Systems has opened a dedicated facility for the production of SpyX loitering munitions, marking a significant milestone as the first such facility in North Africa and the Middle East outside of Israel. These advanced systems, designed for portable use, boast a 50-kilometer operational range and can remain airborne for up to 120 minutes, delivering precision strikes on high-value targets.
The military landscape in Morocco has dramatically evolved, transforming from a Soviet-era force to one capable of multi-domain precision strikes within just five years, aided by American systems and Israeli technology. Conversely, Algeria remains reliant on outdated Cold War-era hardware and Iranian-aligned militias. Reports have surfaced indicating the involvement of Algerian military personnel in conflicts alongside Iranian-backed forces, raising concerns for Rabat and reinforcing its decision to sever ties with Tehran in 2018.
Algeria's current military expenditures, which consume a quarter of its national budget, are not sustainable and may lead to a fiscal crisis that could deplete foreign currency reserves in the coming years. This situation highlights a short-term political strategy aimed at demonstrating military prowess in response to Morocco's modernization efforts. As Algeria invests heavily in countermeasures against Israeli capabilities, the question posed in the Spanish parliament serves as a reminder of the regional ramifications of the Abraham Accords and the shifting defense technology landscape in the Maghreb.
In light of these developments, the United States must perceive the situation not merely as a risk of instability but as an opportunity for strategic partnership. The recent signing of a joint military work plan between Morocco and Israel for 2026 emphasizes a commitment to ongoing military dialogue, joint industrial initiatives, and coordinated responses to evolving threats. Morocco is increasingly viewed as a vital security ally for Israel in Africa. To reinforce this partnership, the U.S. should formalize a trilateral security framework with Morocco and Israel, while also addressing Algeria’s military posture towards a U.S.-aligned partner.
As Algeria continues to escalate its military spending to counter perceived threats from Israeli weaponry, it is crucial for Washington to clearly define its stance in this geopolitical contest.
As reported by jpost.com.
