Spanish Media Frets Over Morocco Apache Acquisition
Doha – Spanish media outlets unleashed a torrent of apprehension as Morocco received its first batch of six Apache AH-64E combat helicopters from the United States, with El Independiente sounding dire warnings about what it portrays as a mounting strategic challenge to Spain's military position.
In a predictable turn, Spanish discourse has once again reverted to its familiar pattern of alarmism, framing Morocco's military modernization as a looming threat rather than a sovereign strategic choice – perpetuating their longstanding tradition of viewing Rabat's defense advancements through a distorted lens of paranoia and insecurity.
The outlet amplified this narrative with alarming rhetoric, stating, 'Their advancements in aviation pose a challenge to neighboring armies, including Spain. The Spanish case is particularly striking.'
El Independiente, maintaining its consistently antagonistic stance on Morocco's military modernization, launched into extensive coverage to what it terms Spain's 'Achilles heel' in helicopter capabilities.
The publication seized on the delivery, attempting to minimize and downplay the development by quoting a former Moroccan army officer who claimed that 'the problem of Morocco is not the lack of armament but a problem of morale of the army.'
It extensively detailed how 'the Spanish Armed Forces do not have Apaches' while lamenting Spain's decision to reject the Apache in favor of the European Tiger helicopter program has proven 'a fiasco' according to military experts consulted by the outlet.
The news outlet also outlined Spain's missed opportunity, revealing that 'in 1998, at the time of initiating its renewal, an Army report opted for the Apache as the most versatile helicopter.'
According to El Independiente, the Apache 'was the only one that met all requirements: it had a cannon, could carry air-to-ground missiles, and was superior to the Tiger in several aspects.'
The Boeing model's superiority was evident in its ability to 'carry 3,000 kilograms more weapons than the European counterpart,' along with 'proven experience in terms of useful life cycle and maintenance.'
At the delivery ceremony in Sale on Wednesday, General Michael Langley, Commander of US AFRICOM, painted a markedly different picture. 'The armies of Africa observe you and take example from you,' Langley stated in his address to the Moroccan military, describing the North African country as a 'reference in matters of defense and stability.'
General Mohammed Berrid, Inspector General of the Royal Armed Forces, characterized the delivery as a concrete manifestation of 'our solid and deeply rooted relations' with the United States. A history of media anxiety
From fretting about Morocco's growing influence in the 2030 World Cup preparations, where outlet Relevo wailed that 'Morocco has eaten Spain,' to raising environmental alarms over Morocco's cloud seeding initiatives, Spanish media outlets have maintained a consistent narrative of concern regarding Moroccan advancements.
In April 2024, La Razón termed Morocco's military modernization as 'unabated,' describing the country's heavy investments in arms supplies as a bid 'not to fall behind in the arms race with Algeria,' while characterizing Algiers as the 'perennial enemy' for Rabat.
By November 2024, El Confidencial escalated its alert, reporting that strengthening ties between Rabat and Washington had 'raised concerns in Madrid,' with Spanish analysts warning of 'potential implications for Spain's own interests and influence in the Mediterranean.'
Furthermore, the Center for Higher National Defense Studies (CESEDEN) concluded in its analysis that 'the US has prioritized its relationship with Morocco over Spain as a regional partner in the Mediterranean.'
The media anxiety intensified in January of this year, with El Mundo reporting that 'neither Trump nor his officials have engaged with their Spanish counterparts' in the week following his inauguration, while maintaining active dialogue with Morocco.
The publication noted that Secretary of State Marco Rubio had 'already held conversations with foreign ministers from the Baltic states, Poland, Hungary, Italy, France, and Germany, while showing no interest in the Iberian peninsula, although there is interest in Rabat.'
By February, El Español raised the stakes further, warning that 'in the realm of security, there is concern that Trump could make an announcement about Ceuta and Melilla similar to what he did about Morocco's sovereignty over the Sahara.'
The publication revealed that 'in military circles, there is speculation about the possibility of a 'new Green March with Trump's support,'' while noting Morocco's 2025 military budget exceeding €12 billion.
However, both Ceuta President Juan Jesús Vivas and Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares refuted this speculation, calling such claims 'absolutely out of the question' and 'without foundation.'
The Objective drew even more dramatic parallels that same month, declaring 'Ukraine is alone against Russia and Spain will be alone against Morocco,' warning that 'if you trust your defense to external powers, the day will come when you see your protectors negotiating with your enemies.'
These media hysterics stand in stark contrast to the measured and pragmatic stance adopted by official diplomatic channels. Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez repeatedly affirmed Spain's 'excellent cooperation with Morocco' across multiple domains, including counter-terrorism and immigration control.
The Apache delivery, part of a broader 24-unit acquisition agreement signed in 2020, represents Morocco's ongoing military modernization program, which includes the procurement of F-16 Block 70/72 Fighting Falcon aircraft and various advanced weapons systems. Tags: Military modernizationSpanish Media
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