Morocco has recently acquired AKINCI combat drones, produced by the Turkish company Baykar, according to the Moroccan Royal Armed Forces Forum.
The purchase follows negotiations between Morocco and the Turkish manufacturer, which began in August 2023.
These advanced drones add to Morocco’s already diverse fleet of unmanned combat aerial vehicles (UCAVs), which includes a significant number of Bayraktar TB2 drones, as well as UAVs from Chinese, Israeli, and American manufacturers.
The AKINCI drone weighs 4.5 tons and is capable of long-endurance flights. It boasts high combat efficiency and is equipped with artificial intelligence systems, enabling it to perform air-to-ground and air-to-air attack missions.
This acquisition reflects the ongoing cooperation between Morocco and Turkish defense companies. Recently, a delegation from ASELSAN, a leading Turkish defense electronics firm, visited Rabat, as revealed by the Turkish Embassy in Morocco. This visit signals growing bilateral efforts to enhance defense collaboration.
According to the Turkish Embassy in Rabat, ASELSAN's regional director for the Middle East and Africa, Erhan Olgun, led the delegation to explore potential defense partnerships with Morocco. While details of the discussions remain undisclosed, it is expected that the Turkish delegation met with Moroccan counterparts, particularly from the National Defense Administration, to discuss joint defense manufacturing projects and potential procurement deals.
Previous reports highlight the strengthening defense ties between Morocco and Turkey, with Morocco securing major military deals in recent years. One of the most notable acquisitions was the Bayraktar TB2 drones, which have demonstrated high effectiveness in various military operations worldwide.
Morocco has already received multiple batches of TB2 drones, utilizing them for border surveillance and countering security threats. This underscores Rabat’s commitment to developing its defense technology capabilities through partnerships with multiple nations, including Turkey.
The recent visit of the ASELSAN delegation is expected to further bolster defense cooperation, particularly in electronic systems and advanced military technologies. Turkish firms, such as ASELSAN, offer opportunities for technology transfer and strategic partnerships, aligning with Morocco’s vision to localize military equipment manufacturing.
Morocco’s defense industry has witnessed significant growth in recent years, driven by a strategic vision aimed at enhancing the country’s military self-sufficiency. Rabat is investing in military infrastructure and forming partnerships with leading defense industry nations to advance its defense capabilities.
In 2020, Morocco enacted legislation permitting both public and private sector participation in military equipment manufacturing. This legal framework aims to attract domestic and foreign investments in the defense industry, emphasizing technology transfer and skill development.
Additionally, in November 2024, the Moroccan government approved a decree amending tax exemption regulations for industrial activities, expanding the list of eligible sectors to include companies engaged in defense manufacturing, such as arms and ammunition production. This move underscores Morocco’s growing focus on developing a robust defense industry.
