On August 11, 2023, according to a post on the Far-Maroc forum's Facebook page, it was reported that Morocco had received the initial shipments of the Barak MX air and missile defense system, manufactured by Israel. This Israeli delivery stems from a $500 million arms contract signed by both countries in 2022, as announced by the Army Recognition editorial team on December 30, 2022.
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Barak MX is an advanced air defense missile system within the Barak family, extending the capabilities of the Barak into a multi-layered air defense system. (Picture source: Israel Aerospace Industries)
Currently, training programs are underway for Moroccan military personnel, aimed at familiarizing them with the operation of the Barak MX system. These training sessions are taking place both in Morocco and Israel, with the objective of ensuring swift integration within the units of the Royal Artillery. The full operational readiness of this system is projected for the end of 2023.
In December 2021, Army Recognition reported that Morocco was engaged in negotiations with Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) for the acquisition of the Barak 8, a surface-to-air defense missile system. Subsequently, in November 2021, Israeli Defense Minister Benny Gantz visited Morocco to formalize a military cooperation agreement between the two nations. This agreement came at a time when Israel was re-establishing diplomatic relations with several Arab countries, including Morocco, Egypt, Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar. Coinciding with these diplomatic efforts, Israel has embarked on a mission to provide military technologies to multiple nations within the region.
The Barak MX is an advanced air defense missile system within the Barak family, extending the capabilities of the Barak into a multi-layered air defense system. It utilizes unified smart launchers equipped with interceptors designed for short, medium, and long ranges.
The Barak MX air defense missile system consists of three main components, including the Battle Management Center (BMC), responsible for generating and managing a unified multi-sensor aerial image, coordinating force operation networks, and managing launcher batteries. Land-based versions are available on mobile, transportable, and stationary platforms.
The Transporter Erector Launcher (TEL) unit of the Barak MX is mounted on a truck chassis with two rows of four missile-launching containers, each carrying a ready-to-launch missile at the rear.
When in the firing position, the launch containers are raised vertically. They offer 360-degree vertical launch capabilities, rapid responses, short minimum ranges, and a high-end active RF seeker for targets with low radar cross-section and high maneuverability. The TEL can launch three types of missiles, including the BRAK MRAD (short and medium-range missile) with a single-thrust rocket motor and a maximum firing range of 35 km.
The Barak LRAD is a long-range missile powered by a dual-thrust rocket motor to reach up to 70 km, while the Barak ER (extended range) missile uses a dual-thrust rocket motor and additional booster to achieve a missile range of 150 km, enhancing capabilities against theater ballistic missiles (TBM).
Furthermore, the Barak MX system can be seamlessly integrated with IAI's fully digital phased-array radars, available in various sizes and configurations.
