Morocco Bolsters Air Force with Advanced Turkish Combat Drones

Recently, the Royal Air Force (RAF) has received the first units of the Akıncı heavy combat drones, as part of an ambitious program to modernize the strategic capabilities of the Moroccan army. This acquisition is part of the signing of a military cooperation agreement between Morocco and Turkey in 2023. The model delivered to Morocco, which is under development, will integrate technical specifications that meet the tactical needs of the Royal Armed Forces (FAR), particularly in terms of electronic warfare, signals intelligence (SIGINT) and advanced anti-jamming capabilities.

Developed by the Turkish company Baykar, the Bayraktar Akıncı is a state-of-the-art drone with impressive characteristics. The aircraft stands out for its ability to perform a wide range of missions, from precision strikes, reconnaissance and surveillance, to intelligence gathering and support for command and control operations, reports the defense affairs website Defense Post. This drone has a flight endurance of 25 hours, a range of up to 7,500 kilometers and can carry a payload of 1,500 kilograms. The "Akıncı" is also equipped with a varied arsenal including CIRIT smart missiles, BOZOK guided munitions, MK-83 guided bombs, as well as air-to-air missiles.

Previously, Morocco had ordered 13 Bayraktar TB-2 drones from the Turkish company Baykar. In 2021, it had received its first delivery.