🪖 Morocco’s Space Debut 🛰️

Plus: Tit-for-tat escalation between Israel and Iran

👋Hi there, WarLytics readers! Today's edition is a rollercoaster ride through the world of geopolitics and defense, packed with juicy updates you won't want to miss.

Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) is gearing up to revolutionize the aerospace industry with plans for an autonomous aerial vehicle and a sleek, single-seat version of the FA-50 fighter jet.

Elsewhere, Israel swiftly responded to Iran's hint of arming Syria by striking multiple sites in the country, with targets reportedly linked to Iran's Revolutionary Guards. Oh, and Morocco’s looking at procuring Israeli satellites. Go Abraham Accords!

- The WarLytics Team

Today’s edition is a 4.6 minute read.

A QUICK SHOUT-OUT:

• 🇰🇷 South Korea: Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) is set to launch two exciting projects, including an autonomous aerial vehicle and a single-seat version of the FA-50 fighter jet, investing a whopping 90.9 billion Korean won ($68.8 million) to bolster its market presence. KAI is set to dominate the aerospace industry, fueled by their record-breaking sales last year, primarily driven by FA-50 exports to Poland. 

• 🇮🇱 Israel: In another tit-for-tat escalation between Israel and Iran-backed forces in Syria, saw Israel destroy Iranian-linked sites, suggest Israel's continued efforts to counter Iranian influence in the region. Despite tensions, both sides have refrained from escalating to a full-blown conflict, with Iran relying more on its proxies.

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📰 THE WORLD TODAY

1. 🇧🇷 Brazil: Embraer Defense & Security and ST Engineering have joined forces to explore future collaborations, focusing on areas like engineering and maintenance for Embraer’s C-390 Millennium aircraft in Asia Pacific. This agreement extends to cooperative efforts in radar systems, border security, and advanced production methods, building upon an initial memorandum signed during the Singapore Airshow 2024. 

2. 🇿🇦 South Africa: South African defence exports are soaring, surpassing previous years' figures, a feat hailed as "nothing short of miraculous" by the Aerospace, Maritime and Defence Industries Association (AMD). The rise is attributed to effective market expansion efforts and its cosy relations with fellow BRICS countries.

3. 🇷🇺 Russia: In a whirlwind of cyber warfare, Russia's presidential elections faced over 90,000 thwarted cyber attacks on day one, with Rostelecom's Igor Lapunov pointing fingers towards Ukraine, Western Europe, and North America for the digital onslaught. 

4. 🇧🇪 Belgium: In the first two months of 2024, there were approximately 31,200 attempts to illegally cross the external borders of the European Union, a figure similar to the previous year. Notably, the Western Balkans route saw a 65% decrease in detected cases, while the English Channel route experienced a 10% increase despite treacherous weather conditions. 

5. 🇱🇹 Lithuania:  Broswarm, a Lithuanian military tech startup, has bagged $100,000 to ramp up its drone-based mine detection solutions, aiding demining efforts in Ukraine amidst the peril of landmines haunting war-torn regions worldwide, including an alarming 30% contamination in Ukraine alone.

TOP STORY

🇲🇦 Morocco Enters The Space Race? Ofek! 🛰️

Background:

• According to reports from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) and the Arabic Defence website, Morocco has expressed interest in acquiring two Ofek-13 reconnaissance satellites from Israel. 

• These satellites, renowned for their accuracy and surveillance capabilities, are manufactured by Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) and operated by Unit 9900 for the Israel Ministry of Defence and the Israel Defence Forces (IDF).

• Morocco's decision to acquire Ofek satellites underscores its strategic objectives in enhancing surveillance and intelligence capabilities. 

• The North African nation seeks to bolster its position as a leader in the African space.

Key Takeaways:

1. Another Abraham Accord Success: After Israel and Morocco normalized relations in December 2020, bilateral trade and investment has flourished to unprecedented levels. The willingness of Israel to supply sensitive high-tech satellite technology to its former adversary in Morocco would be a milestone in the burgeoning relationship.

2. Strategic Expansion: Morocco's interest in acquiring advanced surveillance satellites reflects its commitment to expanding its security apparatus. By enhancing its surveillance capabilities, Morocco aims to bolster its ability to address security challenges within its borders and the broader North African region.

3. Regional Leadership Ambitions:  Morocco's pursuit of space capabilities also signals its aspirations for regional leadership, particularly in the African space sector.

4. Security Concerns: The emphasis on security applications for satellite technology underscores Morocco's focus on addressing pressing security threats, including terrorism and illegal activities, particularly related to the restive Western Sahara region.

🌏 ON ANOTHER NOTE…

1. ⚡🇮🇳 India: An Indian Army contingent set sail for Seychelles to join the lively 10th edition of Joint Military Exercise 'LAMITIYE-2024', as announced by the Ministry of Defence. From March 18-27, this spirited collaboration between the Indian Army and Seychelles Defence Forces (SDF) will unfold, aiming to bolster camaraderie and expertise in sub-conventional operations amidst the semi-urban landscape.

2. 🇲🇰 North Macedonia: Tucked away amidst the grandeur of the "Skopje 2014" project lies the unassuming House of the Army, a modern concrete structure often overlooked by older residents and shrouded in the city's bustling streets. Despite its obscure presence, this building remains a vibrant hub, hosting the activities of North Macedonia's Ministry of Defence, cultural societies, and even serving as a gathering spot for retired generals.

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