The prospect of relocating American military bases from Spain to Morocco appears increasingly uncertain, following the announcement of major new US investments at the Rota Naval Base in Andalusia.
According to Spanish outlet Vozpópuli, the US Department of Defense has approved two projects worth nearly $100m each, alongside a separate tender for expanded fuel storage capacity. The developments have cast doubt on speculation that Washington could shift part of its strategic presence to Morocco.
The first of the approved projects, valued at $100m, includes the construction of four missile depots, a forklift loading area, an ammunition reconditioning facility, and the rebuilding of a recycling centre. Work is expected to take three and a half years.
A second project, also costing $100m, will see the construction of a maintenance hangar for C-5 and C-17 transport aircraft, scheduled to be completed within two years.
In addition, US authorities have launched a tender for two fuel tanks, each capable of storing 50,000 barrels. The estimated cost is between $25m and $100m, with a completion timeframe of 909 days. These upgrades are part of broader efforts to modernise Rota, a base described as essential for the US Navy’s operations and strategic airlift missions.
Analysts note that these substantial investments signal a clear preference for reinforcing Spain’s role as a long-standing NATO partner. The Rota site already possesses advanced port and air facilities, making it difficult to replicate elsewhere.
Rumours of a potential transfer of the Rota and Morón bases to Morocco have circulated for months, fuelled by comments from former US senator Robert Greenway, who argued on social media that “it is time to move” the facilities. His remarks sparked intense debate in both Moroccan and Spanish media, with some suggesting Rabat could capitalise on its Atlantic coastline and growing military cooperation with Washington.
Yet, experts stress that the logistical and technical challenges remain significant. Morocco lacks infrastructure on par with Rota, while existing bilateral agreements between Washington and Madrid ensure stable conditions for the US presence in Spain. For now, the momentum of American spending appears to confirm a deepening commitment to its bases on the Iberian Peninsula.
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