Morocco Eyes Indian-Made Akash-NG Missile System to Boost Air Defense

Concerned to strengthen its air defense, Morocco aims to equip itself with the Akash-NG surface-to-air missile, developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and produced by Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) and Bharat Electronics (BEL). This high-performance system is of interest to the kingdom due to its capabilities and relatively affordable cost, reports Hespress, specifying that this missile is capable of intercepting fast and agile aerial targets at over 70 kilometers.

The Akash-NG is a modern effective system against fighter jets, drones or ballistic missiles. India is offering technology transfer to Morocco to allow the kingdom to locally produce certain parts of the system, the same source informs, stressing that such a project contributes to strengthening Morocco’s defense industry.

In recent years, Morocco has acquired several state-of-the-art equipment to strengthen its air force and ward off any potential attack on its airspace. The kingdom has purchased the short-range VL MICA system, developed by the French company MBDA, capable of intercepting aircraft, helicopters, drones and missiles at a range of up to 20 kilometers and altitudes of 9,000 meters.

Morocco has also acquired the Chinese Sky Dragon, a medium-range surface-to-air missile system, developed by the China North Industries Corporation (NORINCO) and with a maximum range of 50 km. Recently, the kingdom has equipped itself with the Israeli Barak MX, developed by the company Israel Aerospace Industries and effective against drone and missile attacks at a range of 150 kilometers. The Royal Armed Forces also have the long-range Chinese FD-2000B system with a range of 200 kilometers. Morocco is also interested in the Israeli Spyder and the American Patriot systems.