Morocco’s military capabilities have received a significant boost with the opening of a new drone production facility, established by Turkish aerospace giant Baykar. The announcement, confirmed by multiple sources including Turkish media, marks a milestone in Morocco’s ongoing efforts to modernize its defense sector and deepens ties between Morocco and Türkiye.
In a move that underscores Morocco’s strategic ambitions, local outlets such as Le360 reported that Baykar has launched a subsidiary, Atlas Defense, in Rabat. The subsidiary will oversee the manufacturing, design, and maintenance of drones, as well as the development of advanced defense technologies, including systems for surveillance, reconnaissance, and communications.
The newly established factory will produce essential military-grade equipment, such as electronic, optical, and mechanical components, which are vital for modern warfare. This follows earlier reports that Morocco had received Bayraktar TB2 drones from Baykar, further solidifying the growing military collaboration between the two nations.
This development aligns with Morocco’s broader strategy of strengthening its defense capabilities by acquiring cutting-edge technologies from key global partners, with the United States being a primary contributor. As one of Africa’s largest arms importers, Morocco has allocated more than MAD 133 billion (approximately $13 billion) to its military budget, highlighting the nation’s commitment to enhancing its national security.
In the latest Global Firepower rankings, Morocco is placed 59th globally among 145 nations and 7th in Africa, behind regional powerhouses such as Egypt, Algeria, and South Africa.