Spain: Deterrent Military Loss to Morocco

Abstract

Morocco’s latest arms acquisitions turn the possibility of risk into a real threat of attack on the Spanish cities of Ceuta and Melilla. The recent supply of Javelin missiles by the United States (US) to Morocco reduces the deterrent capability of the Spanish Leopard tanks positioned in both cities. In addition to the supply of Javelin missiles, the U.S. has established several factories in the country, giving Morocco some autonomy to resupply the weaponry used. The continuous procurement of short, medium and long range surface-to-air, air-to-ground, air-to-air, anti-tank and anti-ship missiles, together with advanced 3-D radar-based air defense systems, makes the African country one of the best armed on the continent, second only to Algeria.