Morocco intends to buy a spy satellite from Israeli Aerospace Industries (IAI) for $1 billion, Moroccan media reported on Wednesday.
The state-owned IAI stated on Tuesday that it has signed a $1 billion contract to sell one of its systems to an undisclosed third party.
According to Reuters, IAI, a company known for creating advanced Israeli drones and missile defense systems, indicated in a regulatory filing in Tel Aviv that the agreement will be performed over five years.
The new development aims to enhance Morocco’s military capabilities in air, land, and marine defense.
According to Moroccan news websites Le Desk and Le 360, the contract calls for IAI to supply the Ofek 13 espionage satellite, which will replace two Airbus and Thales satellites.
Because of his Moroccan ties, IAI Chairman Amir Peretz is claimed to have played an important role in negotiating this purchase, as well as a prior $500 million arrangement for the Barak 8 air defense system. Peretz is reportedly visiting Morocco to clinch the arrangement.
Neither the head of the Israeli mission in Rabat nor Morocco’s foreign minister responded to demands for comment.
In 2021, Israel and Morocco inked a defense agreement that includes intelligence sharing and collaboration in military sectors and procurement.