Morocco acquires Turkish Barkan 3 ground drones military technology

Royal Armed Forces (FAR(FAR) continue their technological advancement. Morocco is currently conducting highly advanced discussions with Turkish manufacturer Havelsan to acquire the Barkan 3 unmanned ground vehicle (UGV). This third-generation autonomous military system was just unveiled in early May at the major defense industry trade show Saha Expo 2026 held in Istanbul.

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This rapprochement confirms the expansion of military ties between Rabat and the Turkish defense sector, already illustrated by the successful opening of a Baykar drone factory on Moroccan territory. According to specialized media Infodefensa, Havelsan is currently presenting its new operational doctrine to numerous other countries in the Maghreb and the Gulf, from Algeria to the United Arab Emirates.

On the ground, the vehicle impresses with its tactical capabilities. Weighing one ton, the Barkan 3 reaches speeds of up to 25 km/h and offers uninterrupted autonomy of five hours at full charge. Modular, it can carry a 12.7 millimeter remote-operated firing station or formidable Karaok guided anti-tank missiles. The device is also packed with radars, cameras and Lidar sensors ensuring smooth operation, even in case of electronic warfare blocking satellite signals.

The decisive advantage of this equipment lies in its artificial intelligence, named Advent-AI. This digital brain allows the Barkan 3 to operate in coordinated swarms of multiple vehicles, in direct collaboration with aerial drones. This system analyzes massive volumes of data in real time to accelerate decision-making, while ensuring that a human operator always retains final choice in critical situations.

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Beyond security advantages for border control, this potential agreement carries significant economic stakes. Havelsan’s export strategy is generally accompanied by long-term commitments involving the opening of local offices. Such a partnership could thus stimulate employment in Morocco and promote decisive skills transfer for Morocco’s defense industry.