Morocco is set to acquire “Ofek-13”.. An intelligence leap towards space monitoring that recognizes neither night nor storms
Reports indicate that Morocco has requested two surveillance satellites of the Ofek-13 type, developed by Israel Aerospace Industries. This step reflects the accelerated pace of modernization in the kingdom’s defense system and the expansion of its strategic reconnaissance tools.
According to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, Israel has become one of the main arms suppliers to Morocco in recent years, accounting for about 11 percent of its military imports, demonstrating the growing level of defense cooperation between the two sides.
### Radar Technology That Surmounts Weather and Light Limitations
Ofek-13 is one of the latest military reconnaissance satellites in the world, utilizing Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) technology, which captures high-resolution images of the Earth’s surface using radar signals rather than relying on visible light. This technology allows it to function both day and night and in various weather conditions, including thick clouds or sandstorms, without compromising image quality.
The imaging precision of this satellite reaches approximately half a meter, enabling the observation of detailed ground features and the tracking of movements and activities over vast areas in short periods, given its orbital cycle of just under one and a half hours.
### A Military Space Program Extending Since the 1980s
Ofek-13 is the latest link in the series of Ofek satellites that began in the late 1980s, as part of a military space program developed by Israel to enhance its independent intelligence capabilities. The first satellite of this type was launched on March 29, 2023, by the Shavit-2 rocket from the Palmahim Air Force Base, after which it was operated by the Israeli military intelligence, particularly by Unit 9900, specialized in analyzing satellite images and geospatial intelligence.
### Betting on Information Independence
Morocco’s potential interest in this generation of satellites falls within a strategic approach aimed at enhancing independence in collecting sensitive data and reducing reliance on external satellite imagery providers. Owning satellites that utilize SAR technology provides continuous monitoring of land and maritime borders, detecting irregular movements, and tracking activities in strategically important areas, without weather or timing constraints.
Observers believe that the successful completion of such a deal, if officially confirmed, would mark a qualitative leap in the kingdom’s space and military capabilities, especially as information superiority has become a critical factor in managing contemporary crises and conflicts. This step also reflects a heightened level of mutual trust between Rabat and Tel Aviv, amid a reconfiguration of Morocco’s defense partnerships and diversification of its weapon sources.
In this direction, Morocco continues to strengthen its position among countries seeking to possess advanced surveillance tools from space, ensuring a more accurate reading of its regional environment and expanding its strategic maneuverability in a volatile security landscape.
