Defense Alert: Could Morocco’s Israeli EXTRA Missile Test Shift The Balance Of Regional Strike Capabilities?.

On August 25, 2025, media reports cited by MWN indicated that Morocco’s Royal Armed Forces (FAR) carried out a test of the Israeli-made EXTRA guided missile in the eastern region of the Kingdom. While no official Moroccan confirmation has been issued, the reported launch reflects Morocco’s determination to strengthen its long-range precision strike arsenal amid rising regional security tensions. Fired from a PULS launcher acquired from Elbit Systems, the missile reportedly hit its target at 150 kilometers with high accuracy, showcasing the operational potential of Morocco’s latest acquisition. If validated, this milestone would mark a significant step in the FAR’s modernization strategy, placing precision-guided artillery at the center of its defense posture and potentially reshaping the regional balance of power.
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By acquiring the PULS system and guided rockets from Elbit Systems, Morocco places itself among the few regional actors capable of matching Algeria’s Iskander-E in terms of range and accuracy, thereby narrowing a critical capability gap (Picture source: Elbit Systems)

The EXTRA guided missile tested by the Moroccan army is a 306 mm caliber projectile equipped with a 120 kg warhead, capable of striking targets at ranges up to 150 kilometers. It forms part of the portfolio of munitions compatible with the PULS launcher system, which can also deploy Predator Hawk missiles, extending the FAR’s reach to 300 kilometers. With this dual capability, Morocco not only gains the flexibility to tailor its strikes to different operational contexts but also ensures interoperability with a system already integrated into the arsenals of several advanced militaries.

Operationally, the introduction of the PULS system and the EXTRA missile follows a defense contract worth approximately $150 million, signed between Rabat and Elbit Systems and scheduled to be implemented over three years. This acquisition marks a notable shift in Morocco’s artillery doctrine, transitioning from traditional unguided rocket systems to highly accurate long-range precision strike weapons. The successful test marks the first public demonstration of this capability by the FAR, signaling both progress in training and the integration of advanced fire control systems.

Compared to conventional multiple launch rocket systems (MLRS) fielded in the region, the combination of PULS and EXTRA provides Morocco with a qualitative advantage. While legacy systems prioritize saturation fire over accuracy, the Israeli-developed missile ensures precise target engagement with reduced collateral damage, aligning with the doctrinal evolutions seen in NATO-standardized forces. The option to extend range with Predator Hawk rockets gives Rabat a capacity comparable to long-range strike assets such as the U.S.-made HIMARS, which has seen extensive use in Ukraine. This positions Morocco among the limited number of regional actors with the ability to project firepower at distances traditionally reserved for advanced air and missile forces.

Strategically, the implications are significant. If confirmed, Morocco’s reported ability to conduct precision strikes at ranges extending up to 300 kilometers would represent a considerable strengthening of its deterrent posture. Such capability would allow Rabat to project force deep beyond its borders, providing an effective response option in a geopolitical context marked by fragile security balances and lingering regional rivalries. The deployment of advanced guided artillery systems would also illustrate Morocco’s intent to transition from conventional saturation firepower toward precise, long-range strike assets aligned with modern battlefield standards.

The integration of Israeli-made systems further underscores the evolving defense partnership between Rabat and Tel Aviv, which has accelerated since the normalization of diplomatic relations in 2020. Beyond enhancing Morocco’s border security, the acquisition of PULS launchers and EXTRA missiles provides Rabat with tools that could shift the balance of power in North Africa, offering both deterrence and power projection capabilities. This is particularly relevant given Algeria’s established arsenal of long-range missile systems, including the Russian-made Iskander-E, which can strike targets at 280 kilometers with high precision. By fielding comparable capabilities, Morocco narrows a long-standing gap with its eastern neighbor, introducing a new equilibrium in the regional strategic landscape and signaling that the FAR is committed to maintaining credible deterrence through cutting-edge technology.

The reported Moroccan test of the Israeli-made EXTRA missile, though not officially confirmed, highlights the trajectory of the FAR’s modernization and its determination to secure long-range precision strike options. By acquiring the PULS system and guided rockets from Elbit Systems, Rabat places itself among the few regional actors capable of matching Algeria’s Iskander-E in terms of range and accuracy, thereby narrowing a critical capability gap. Even if still at a preliminary stage, this development signals that Morocco is positioning itself to deter potential adversaries, strengthen border security, and project stability in a volatile regional environment.