Morocco in Advanced Talks to Acquire Israeli LORA Ballistic Missiles

RABAT — Morocco is reportedly in advanced negotiations with Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) to purchase the LORA long-range ballistic missile system, a move that would significantly enhance the kingdom’s precision-strike capabilities as it continues to modernize its military forces.

According to a report by Israeli financial daily Calcalist, citing defense industry sources, discussions between Rabat and the Israeli manufacturer are progressing well, though no formal agreement, delivery timeline, or financial details have been officially announced. The system was recently showcased by IAI at the Marrakech Air Show 2026, where Israeli defense firms participated for the first time.

Enhancing Long-Range Strike Capabilities
Developed by IAI and first tested in 2017, the LORA (Long Range Artillery) is a quasi-ballistic missile system capable of hitting high-value strategic targets at ranges up to 500 kilometers with extreme precision. It carries a warhead weighing between 400 and 600 kilograms.

If finalized, the acquisition would complement Morocco’s existing artillery and rocket inventory, which already includes the American M142 HIMARS, China’s PHL-03, and Israel’s PULS rocket artillery system. Reports from Israeli media, including Globes, have raised the possibility of future launcher integration, though these reports remain speculative without official confirmation.

Strengthening Defense Ties
The potential transaction marks another milestone in the growing security partnership between Rabat and Tel Aviv following the resumption of diplomatic relations in December 2020. Since then, defense trade between the two nations has exceeded $2 billion, according to industry estimates.

Morocco has already integrated several Israeli platforms into its Royal Armed Forces, including the Barak MX air defense system, Rafael’s Spyder system, PULS multiple rocket launchers, and advanced surveillance satellite technology. The addition of the LORA system would further solidify Israel’s position as one of Morocco’s primary military hardware suppliers alongside the United States and France.