Turkish defense group discusses robotic combat vehicle sale with Morocco

Turkish defense group discusses robotic combat vehicle sale with Morocco
Wednesday 20 May 2026 - 21:17

Turkish defense company Havelsan is in talks with Morocco over the possible sale of its Barkan 3 unmanned ground vehicle, adding to the expanding military relationship between Rabat and Ankara as Morocco accelerates investment in autonomous systems and border surveillance technologies.

The discussions were confirmed by Havelsan executive Şevket Ünal in comments to defense publication Breaking Defense, where he listed Morocco among the company’s priority export markets alongside Gulf states and other North African countries.

The Barkan 3, unveiled at Istanbul’s SAHA Expo defense fair, is a remotely operated armored vehicle equipped with a 12.7 mm weapon system, radar and LiDAR sensors, and designed for reconnaissance, border monitoring and support operations in difficult terrain.

Havelsan recently demonstrated the vehicle operating in coordination with aerial drones in swarm formations, a capability increasingly emphasized by militaries adapting to lessons from Ukraine and other conflicts where autonomous and semi autonomous systems have reshaped battlefield surveillance and strike operations.

For Morocco, the talks fit into a broader military modernization drive centered on drones, networked surveillance and rapid response systems, particularly along border and desert zones.

Rabat has steadily deepened defense ties with Turkey in recent years through acquisitions of Bayraktar drones and industrial partnerships tied to local defense manufacturing.

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