Morocco to Partner with Israel on Kamikaze Drone Production, Boosting Defense Capabilities

The Israeli Defense Minister is expected to launch the production of these "kamikaze drones" during his next visit to Morocco to sign defense cooperation agreements, said Mohamed Shkeir, a Moroccan military expert, to Defense News. "The contract will include the short and medium-range missile systems that the Moroccan army needs to strengthen its military arsenal, as well as armored vehicles and tanks that can be used in any armed conflict that could break out with Algeria or stop any Polisario movement along the defense wall in the Sahara," he added.

To read: Morocco Reportedly Developing Kamikaze Drones with Israeli Aerospace Firm

Morocco has always shown a particular interest in drones. The kingdom signed an agreement in April for the purchase of 13 Turkish Bayraktar TB2 combat drones, the first deliveries of which were effective in September. "It is normal that Morocco procures Turkish drones following their proven effectiveness in combat in several theaters of operations, whether in Iraq or Syria," explained Shkeir.

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For the expert, "Morocco can procure Turkish drones and can agree with Israel to manufacture drones, given the military alliance between the Hebrew and Moroccan states, as well as the military partnership that binds the kingdom and the United States...", adding that a joint venture, linking a Moroccan company and "very likely, another from the United States, could see the light of day to manufacture the Israeli drone in Morocco".

Morocco would have received "four kamikaze drones" of Israeli manufacture, Hermes 900, intended to be used to counter any attacks along the defense wall in the Sahara. "If these drones prove their operational capabilities, then Morocco will start the production of different models of these drones," Shkeir stressed.