Turkish drone manufacturer Baykar has officially confirmed the delivery of Bayraktar TB2 drones to Morocco in August 2024. The announcement, made through the company’s annual results post on the social media platform X, provided no additional details about the transaction.
In a post on its X (formerly Twitter) account, Baykar stated that Morocco received Bayraktar TB2 drones in August 2024. However, the company did not disclose the number of units delivered or the value of the deal.
Morocco is believed to have acquired 13 Bayraktar TB2 drones in a previous deal, and the August delivery adds to this existing inventory. According to a report by Military Africa, Morocco possesses a total of 233 drones from various suppliers, ranking second in Africa after Egypt. This highlights the strategic importance of unmanned aerial vehicles for Morocco, particularly for border security and countering threats in the Western Sahara.
Moroccan Royal Armed Forces signed a 626 million dirhams ($70 million) contract in 2021 to acquire 13 Bayraktar TB2 combat drones, including remote control ground stations and configurable simulation systems. Also, Moroccan military personnel received training, logistical and technical support.
The first batch of TB2s were received from Turkish Baykar on September of 2021 after delivery via an RMAF C-130 (CNA-OJ) which was spotted by Open-source air traffic data, flying to the Baykar Training and Test facility at the Corlu Airport in Northeastern Turkey.
These drones have proven effective in various conflicts, and their deployment has contributed to the ongoing complexities in the Western Sahara. The Royal Armed Forces have reportedly used these drones multiple times to target militants from the separatist Polisario Front infiltrating the buffer zone.
The acquisition of Bayraktar TB2 drones has enhanced Morocco’s military capabilities, providing advanced surveillance and strike capabilities.
Over the past years, several reports have highlighted Morocco’s heavy reliance on Turkish-made Bayraktar drones for airstrikes against separatist militants east and south of the sand wall.
In 2023, Turkey disclosed a list of countries that had signed contracts to acquire its advanced Bayraktar Akıncı combat drones. Morocco was among the countries listed, having acquired this second model of Turkish drones in addition to the Bayraktar TB2.
Subsequently, local sources reported that Morocco was in talks with Baykar Technologies to acquire Turkish Bayraktar Akinci drones. Delivery of the advanced unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) will start in February this year, local media reported.
The Akinci will work closely with other drones in the Moroccan military inventory.
