Morocco to Receive Advanced Turkish Combat Drones in 2025

As part of its strategy to modernize and strengthen its Royal Armed Forces, Morocco had acquired 19 Bayraktar TB2 drones for the Royal Air Force (FRA) in 2021, before turning its attention to the Bayraktar Akıncı, a more advanced model. With its 20 meters in length and a payload of 1,500 kg, this drone, equipped with sophisticated dual artificial intelligence avionics, is ideal for surveillance and combat missions. It can carry various types of munitions, including precision-guided missiles, it is specified.

The acquisition of these drones will allow Morocco to effectively address regional security challenges. The Akinci could modify the balance of power in the region in Morocco’s favor, facing an increasingly provocative Algeria. To avoid the purchase of these drones triggering an arms race and an escalation of tensions with its eastern neighbor, Morocco must implement a proactive diplomacy aimed at presenting the Akinci as a means of national defense and security.

With the Bayraktar Akıncı drones, Morocco is also strengthening its fight against terrorism. Equipped with advanced detection and precision technologies, these drones will allow the Royal Air Force to carry out surveillance and combat missions effectively. They will also allow the kingdom to better monitor border and hard-to-reach areas, thus helping to prevent any form of asymmetric threat and preserve the territorial integrity of the kingdom.