General Greenway Calls for Transfer of Two U.S. Bases from Spain to Morocco, Signaling Strength of Partnership Between the Two Countries
In a significant development that could reshape the map of U.S. military deployment in the Mediterranean, former U.S. National Security Council official General Robert Greenway has called for the transfer of the Rota and Morón airbases from Spain to Morocco.
The call follows criticisms from former U.S. President Donald Trump regarding Spain’s insufficient contributions to NATO’s budget, prompting Greenway to retweet Trump’s statement: “It’s time to move the Rota and Morón bases to Morocco.”
This proposal reflects the depth of strategic relations between Rabat and Washington, which have been strengthened in recent years across various sectors, especially in security and military cooperation. It also opens the door for Morocco to expand its role in the Atlantic defense framework in the region.
In this context, a delegation from the Royal Moroccan Armed Forces recently visited the U.S. Bomheolder base in Germany as part of a training program on the advanced “Patriot” air defense system, known for its high capabilities in intercepting ballistic missiles and combat aircraft.
The Moroccan delegation observed a live demonstration of the system’s advanced radar, capable of accurately tracking multiple targets, indicating an advanced technical readiness within the Moroccan army to integrate this technology into its defense framework.
Reports have indicated the arrival of launch vehicles for the “Patriot” system in Morocco, ahead of the official announcement of the deal, which is expected to include the latest “PAC-3 MSE” version.
Integrating the “Patriot” system into Morocco’s air defense network, which already includes systems like “Sky Dragon 50” and “Barak MX,” would help build a multi-layered aerial shield, offering extensive protection against aerial threats and enhancing the kingdom’s defensive sovereignty in its regional context.
If the proposal to move the two U.S. bases is realized, it would represent a strategic shift in favor of Morocco, providing advanced military infrastructure and reinforcing its position as a strategic hub for security cooperation between the United States and North Africa.
