Morocco Bolsters Military with $120 Million Israeli Suicide Drone Deal

Morocco continues the modernization of its Royal Armed Forces. According to Israeli media sources, the kingdom has placed an order for nearly 300 Harpy and Harop suicide drones for an amount of around $120 million.

Rabat had acquired a few units of these drones in 2022 for the benefit of its Royal Armed Forces (FAR). Designed by Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), the Harpy and Harop drones are "suicide drones" or "kamikaze drones". Thanks to its radio frequency (RF) sensor, the Harpy is capable of detecting and neutralizing radars, while the more modern Harop has an electro-optical system allowing it to reach several targets.

These Israeli drones have an operational range varying between 500 and 1,000 km. The Harop can be used against advanced air defense systems, while the Harpy can reach strategic targets, day and night.

The acquisition of these drones is a strategic asset for Morocco, which continues to modernize its offensive capabilities. In addition, Rabat is working to produce drones on site. The kingdom has already signed a partnership with the Israeli company BlueBird Aero Systems, a subsidiary of IAI, for the construction of a factory to produce various drone models (SpyX, ThunderB, WanderB).