The Israeli website “Globes” reported that “Blue Bird,” a subsidiary of Israel Aerospace Industries, has opened a new factory in Morocco. This factory specializes in the production of “Spike” suicide drones, the company’s first such project in the Middle East and North Africa outside of Israel.
According to “Defense Post,” the factory is located in Benslimane, near Casablanca, and is part of an industrial expansion plan driven by normalization agreements, as Rabat seeks to enhance its local manufacturing capabilities in the defense sector.
The “Spike” drone is characterized by carrying a 2.5 kg warhead, has a speed of 250 km/h, and has the ability to perform autonomous missions for up to 90 minutes. This aircraft is designed to target tanks, armored vehicles, and military sites.
The site indicated that the Moroccan army tested the aircraft in March 2024, and that the new factory will provide “training for Moroccan engineers on assembly and maintenance locally,” which will enhance the operational level of the Moroccan defense industry.
“Globes” pointed out that military cooperation between Rabat and Tel Aviv has witnessed a significant expansion since the signing of normalization agreements, noting that Morocco has become one of the most important markets for Israeli industries. In contrast, cooperation with French companies has declined.
In this context, Rabat preferred to purchase two Israeli “Ofek 13” satellites over offers from “Airbus” and “Thales” last year.
Morocco also obtained 36 units of the “Atmos” artillery system compatible with “NATO” ammunition with a range exceeding 40 km, in addition to the “Barak 8” and “Spider” air defense systems.
During the past months, Rabat has continued to strengthen its military capabilities, as the Moroccan army tested “Extra” guided missiles produced by “Elbit” and “IAI” in August 2025 with a range of up to 150 km, two years after joining users of the PULS system worth $150 million, a system capable of launching precise and unguided munitions with a range of up to 300 km.
According to “Globes,” this trend represents a major shift in the structure of the Moroccan army’s armament during the reign of King Mohammed VI, as Rabat raised the 2026 defense budget to an unprecedented level of $15.7 billion, with the aim of expanding its military purchases, including advanced American “Abrams” tanks.
