Turkish drone manufacturer Baykar has officially confirmed the delivery of Bayraktar TB2 drones to Morocco in August 2023. The announcement, made through the company’s annual results post on the social media platform X, provided no additional details about the transaction.
Previously, Baykar revealed that its Bayraktar TB2 unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) surpassed one million flight hours, making it the longest-flying domestically produced UAV in Turkey.
Baykar participated in the 7th Marrakech International Air Show, held from October 30 to November 2, 2023. The event showcased its cutting-edge technologies and facilitated networking with potential clients. During the show, Baykar presented its latest model, the Bayraktar TB3, a drone capable of 21-hour flight endurance and equipped with foldable wings for versatile platform compatibility. Production of the TB3 is underway, with exports expected to begin this year.
The Royal Armed Forces of Morocco, one of Baykar’s clients, actively employs the company’s UAVs, including the Bayraktar TB2. Moroccan military officials, including General Mohammed Berrid, the Inspector General of the Royal Armed Forces, toured Baykar’s exhibit at the Marrakech show to learn about its UAV capabilities and technological advancements.
Reports estimate that Morocco has acquired around 20 Bayraktar TB2 drones. According to the defense-focused website Military Africa, the country operates a total of 233 drones from various suppliers, ranking second in Africa after Egypt, which has 260 drones. Morocco’s drone fleet includes 160 Israeli-manufactured UAVs, 26 U.S.-made drones, and approximately 20 Turkish models, with a focus on fixed-wing systems for long-range operations.
The integration of drones has significantly bolstered Morocco’s strategic capabilities, particularly in the Western Sahara. The advanced UAVs have enhanced border security and curtailed incursions by the Polisario Front in buffer zones. This aerial dominance has constrained the movement of separatist forces, limiting their ability to launch surprise attacks against Moroccan forces.
Morocco’s investment in drone technology underscores its commitment to modernizing its military and maintaining regional stability.
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