On 21 November, the Moroccan Royal Armed Forces purchased Israel’s Skylock Dome Anti-Drone Air Defence System, according to a post on the Army’s official Facebook page. This acquisition aims at bolstering Moroccan defence capabilities against enemy drones since the system can detect, verify, and eliminate potential threats posed by unauthorised drones.
First unveiled during the International Defence Exhibition and Conference in the UAE capital Abu Dhabi in February 2020, the Skylock Dome System has caught the attention of multiple states. Indeed, 27 countries have already purchased this weapon, including Morocco, the UAE, and other East Asian countries. Skylock’s Chief Executive Officer Itzik Huber claimed that the defence system has proven to be highly effective and reliable in providing the military with broad protection against the growing aerial threat of state-of-the-art enemy drones. He also stated that part of its success is due to its relatively cheap cost.
Since the return of the armed Polisario against the Moroccan Kingdom, the latter has intensified its purchases of unmanned anti-craft systems or drones to protect both civilian and military facilities. As stated by Abdel Hamid Harfi, a Moroccan military expert, “Skylock Dome can help protect vital and sensitive installations from drones, including critical economic, military and government installations. The weapon may not be very effective against military drones that are equipped with electronic anti-jamming systems, but it is very effective against drones used to take pictures inside sensitive places”.
Furthermore, this acquisition contributed to strengthening Moroccan-Israeli relations and paved the way for the visit of Israel’s Defense Minister, Benny Gantz, on 24 November. The Ministers of Defence of both states signed a memorandum of understanding, formalising defence ties between the two countries and reinforcing defence cooperation and intelligence sharing. The visit came shortly after the Abraham Accords’ first anniversary.
Middle East Monitor (23 November 2021) Morocco buys Israel’s anti-drone system to protect its airspace. [online] Available at: https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20211123-morocco-buys-israels-anti-drone-system-to-protect-its-airspace/
Helou, A. (24 November 2021) Morocco buys Israeli counter-drone system Skylock Dome. Defense News. [online] Available at: https://www.defensenews.com/unmanned/2021/11/24/morocco-buys-israeli-counter-drone-system-skylock-dome/
Saballa, J, (22 November 2021) Morocco Acquires Israeli Skylock Dome System. The Defense Post. [online] Available at: https://www.thedefensepost.com/2021/11/22/morocco-israel-skylock-dome-system/
Unmanned Airspace (23 November 2021) Moroccan armed forces purchase Skylock Dome counter drone system. [online] Available at: https://www.unmannedairspace.info/latest-news-and-information/moroccan-armed-forces-purchase-skylock-dome-counter-drone-system/
