The 9K720 Iskander hypersonic ballistic missile system and the M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) are the two most advanced weapons systems in the arsenals of Algeria and Morocco, respectively. Both countries have invested heavily in modernizing military capabilities to maintain strategic superiority in the region. This article provides an overview and analysis of these two weapons systems and their potential impact on security dynamics in the North African region.
Tensions between Algeria and Morocco have increased markedly recently, mainly as a result of the increased activities of several guerrilla groups along the tri-national border between Algeria, Morocco and Western Sahara.
Rabat was in direct opposition to the Frente POLISARIO (Frente Popular de Saguia Hamra and Río de Oro), a Saharan armed group seeking to end the Moroccan presence in Western Sahara, which had the structural support of Algiers.
Algeria's 9K720 Iskander hypersonic ballistic missile system
Moscow region, Russia - June 25, 2019: The 9P78 Iskander M system is demonstrated at the Arabino shooting range during the Army's 2019 International Military-Technical Forum. Marina Lystseva/TASS
Iskander due to the Russian nomenclature system has a lot of names, in general, the ballistic missile version is 9M723, cruise missiles 9M729. Algeria received 4 Iskander E system regiments from 2014 to 2017. A missile regiment consists of about 50 vehicles and 48 missiles: 12 launchers, 12 missile carriers and loaders, 11 command and personnel vehicles, and other vehicles.
The 9K720 Iskander missile system is a hypersonic ballistic missile system developed by Russia. It is designed to deal with a variety of targets, including enemy fortifications, air and missile defense systems, and high-value targets such as command and control centers. The system is highly maneuverable, making it difficult to detect and target. It has a range of up to 500 km and a speed of Mach 6. It is equipped with several warheads, making it highly lethal and versatile.
In the Russian-Ukrainian conflict, Iskander missiles showed high performance, fast launch, fast flight, mid-course maneuvers, jamming decoys, and were difficult to intercept.
The 9K720 Iskander missile system has been in service with the Algerian army since 2018. Its acquisition has greatly enhanced Algeria's strategic capabilities and deterrence posture. The system provides Algeria with a highly effective means of targeting critical strategic and military infrastructure deep within Moroccan territory. The Iskander's advanced maneuverability and speed make it difficult to intercept and counterattack, making it a highly potent weapon system.
Morocco's M142 highly mobile artillery rocket system
The M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) is a highly maneuverable, lightweight rocket system developed by the United States. It is designed to provide precise long-range fire support to ground forces. HIMARS has a range of up to 300 kilometers and can drop various types of munitions, including high-explosive, cluster and guided rockets. It can be deployed quickly and can fire multiple shells in a matter of minutes.
HIMARS will enter service in the Moroccan army from 2024. Its acquisition greatly increased Morocco's long-range strike capabilities, allowing it to target various enemy targets deep within Algerian territory. HIMARS is highly effective against enemy fortifications, armored vehicles, and personnel, making it a powerful weapon system in modern warfare.
Comparative analysis
Both the 9K720 Iskander missile system and the M142 Seahorse missile system are very advanced and powerful weapon systems. However, they differ in several key areas. The Iskander is a hypersonic missile system that provides Algeria with a highly effective means of targeting high-value targets deep within Morocco. It is highly maneuverable and difficult to detect and intercept, making it a powerful weapon system. HIMARS, on the other hand, is a light rocket system that provides precise long-range fire support to Morocco. It is very effective against enemy fortifications and personnel, making it an ideal weapon system in modern warfare.
In terms of range, the Iskander has a longer range than HIMARS, with a range of up to 500 km, while HIMARS has a range of 300 km. However, HIMARS has a higher emissivity and is capable of firing multiple rounds in a few minutes, while the Iskander has a lower emissivity.
The 9K720 Iskander missile system and the M142 HIMARS are two highly advanced and powerful weapon systems that significantly enhance the military capabilities of Algeria and Morocco, respectively. The acquisition of these systems enhances the strategic capabilities and deterrence postures of both countries, providing them with effective means of targeting high-value targets deep into enemy territory. While both systems have their strengths and weaknesses, they are both effective weapons in modern warfare. The two countries must give priority to the use of peaceful means to resolve any disputes that may arise and engage in constructive dialogue in order to promote stability and security in the region. The use of any weapons system, including Iskander and HIMARS, should be a last resort.
It is also important to note that access to advanced weapons systems could lead to an arms race between States and exacerbate tensions in the region. Algeria and Morocco must therefore adopt a transparent and accountable approach in the procurement and deployment of these systems.
The Algerian delegation approached China North Industries Corporation (Norinco) during the 2022 Zhuhai Airshow regarding the procurement of SY-400 short-range ballistic missile launchers (SRBMs).
In addition, the presence of advanced weapon systems in the region has implications for broader security dynamics in North Africa. In any conflict, the potential use of these systems could have significant humanitarian consequences, including loss of life, destruction of infrastructure and displacement of people. Regional and international actors must therefore work together to promote stability, prevent conflicts and support the peaceful settlement of any disputes.
In summary, the 9K720 Iskander missile system and the M142 HIMARS are advanced and powerful weapons systems that greatly enhance the military capabilities of Algeria and Morocco, respectively. However, the acquisition of these systems should not be a cause for further tension or conflict in the region. It is essential that the two countries give priority to the settlement of disputes by peaceful means and engage in constructive dialogue in order to promote stability and security in North Africa.