Morocco’s Drone Acquisition Raises Tensions with Spain

The Moroccan air fleet will grow in 2025 with the reception of the Turkish Bayraktar Akinci drones. Developed by the Turkish company Baykar, the Bayraktar Akinci is a state-of-the-art drone with impressive characteristics. The aircraft has a flight endurance of 25 hours, a range of up to 7,500 kilometers and can carry a payload of 1,500 kilos. This drone is capable of launching precision-guided missiles and carrying out surgical strikes. A real key tool for surveillance, reconnaissance and long-range attack operations in complex areas.

The Bayraktar Akinci is the first drone capable of launching cruise missiles from the air, which gives Morocco the ability to carry out operations at long distance, thus strengthening its control over strategic areas such as borders and key regions, notes military and international analyst Óscar Ruiz to The Diplomat in Spain. The arrival of the Bayraktar Akinci is an important step that not only strengthens the Royal Moroccan Armed Forces (FAR), but also elevates Morocco to the rank of a key player in the regional geopolitical landscape, forcing its neighbors to pay close attention to its military capabilities and strategies, it is commented.

Morocco has embarked on a military modernization in recent years, devoting heavy investments to the acquisition of a number of military equipment and advanced technologies, including 19 Bayraktar TB2 drones, acquired in 2021, HIMARS artillery systems, F-16 fighter jets and the upcoming launch of the Ofek 13 spy satellite, estimated at $1 billion, which will strengthen its intelligence and aerial surveillance capabilities. In addition to the acquisition of advanced technologies, Morocco is working towards self-sufficiency in defense, with investments aimed at developing its national military industry.

This military reinforcement worries Spain about the military balance in the region. The Akinci’s ability to operate in sensitive areas such as the Strait of Gibraltar, Ceuta and Melilla represents a challenge for Spanish defense. This advance requires strengthening surveillance on the southern flank in order to ensure effective deterrence and avoid imbalances in the region, Ruiz warns.