With 223 devices in service in 2023, Morocco has the second largest fleet of military drones in Africa, after Egypt. In 2025, the Kingdom will further strengthen its air military capabilities with the acquisition of new drones, including the Turkish model Bayraktar Akinci, a high altitude and long endurance drone. This acquisition is part of a series of strategic partnerships and confirms Morocco’s ambition to become a major player in the field of military drones in Africa.
In recent years, Morocco has significantly expanded its fleet of military drones. With 223 drones in 2023, it comes in second position after Egypt which has 267 devices. The African Top 3 is completed, according to the African Military Organization, by Nigeria with 177 drones.
The development of this fleet is part of a context of modernization of the equipment of the royal armed forces. Drones such as WanderB and ThunderB, acquired from Israeli company BlueBird Aero Systems, are used for surveillance and air defense missions. Furthermore, Morocco is continuing its partnerships with countries such as Turkey and China to acquire latest generation drones.
Furthermore, local production of drones has also gained momentum. Aerodrive Engineering Services (AES) has developed the Atlas Eastar I, a fully autonomous drone intended for complex missions. This project could allow Morocco to produce up to 1,000 drones per year, thus strengthening its independence in the field of defense industries.
Acquisition forecasts for 2025
In 2025, Morocco is preparing to further strengthen its arsenal with the acquisition of the Turkish Bayraktar Akinci combat drone. This high-altitude drone, designed for surveillance and strike missions, will be a major asset for the Royal Air Forces. The Akinci stands out for its impressive payload capacity, up to 1,500 kg, and its ability to transport precision weapons. Thanks to its AESA radar, this drone model ensures very precise scanning and detection of targets. It will add to the existing fleet and allow Morocco to carry out more complex missions with greater scope.
Morocco should also continue its collaboration with China, by acquiring the Wing Loong X model, an advanced combat drone, intended for long-range surveillance and strike missions. Previewed at the 2023 Paris Air Show in a 1/10th scale model, this advanced version of the Wing Loong series of unmanned combat aerial vehicles was officially presented last November at the 15th International Aviation and Technology Show. China Aerospace in Zhuhai.
These new acquisitions should strengthen strike and border surveillance capabilities, and help maintain the Kingdom’s position among African leaders in the field of military drones.
