Turkish drone manufacturer Baykar is set to expand its global footprint by establishing a production facility in Morocco. Following successful ventures in Azerbaijan, Ukraine, and Mongolia, Morocco has been chosen as the next location for Baykar’s international production.
According to Morocco-based news agency Le Desk, the new facility will enhance Baykar’s presence in the African UAV and UCAV market. The company is a prominent player on the continent, and this move is expected to strengthen its standing even further. Morocco is already a customer of Baykar, having acquired the Bayraktar TB2 armed drones.
Benefits of Local Production
Setting up production in Morocco means existing African customers can receive drone deliveries more swiftly, reducing transition times. The proximity of the manufacturing facility could also attract new clients, as Baykar will be geographically closer than many of its competitors.
Beyond business advantages, the facility is anticipated to bolster Turkish-Moroccan relations by creating job opportunities and contributing to the local economy. While foreign military sales typically involve government-to-government interactions, establishing a manufacturing presence can positively influence public opinion and foster deeper ties between nations.
Morocco’s Growing Drone Fleet
In October 2021, the Royal Moroccan Armed Forces (FAR) received the first batch of Turkish-made Bayraktar TB2 drones, following an order placed in April of that year. The initial unmanned aircraft arrived in September. These drones were likely delivered via a Royal Moroccan Air Force C-130 transport aircraft, which was spotted travelling to the Baykar Training and Test facility at Çorlu Airport in northeastern Turkey.
The $70 million contract included the supply of 13 Bayraktar TB2 unmanned combat aerial vehicles (UCAVs), aiming to enhance Morocco’s air power in counterinsurgency operations. Local sources confirmed the deal in August 2023, and deliveries of these advanced UAVs are scheduled to begin in February 2025. As part of the contract agreement, Morocco will receive four ground stations, a configurable simulation system, and a digital system for tracking and storing information. Also, a drone operations center will be set up in Moroccan airbases.
Also, Moroccan military personnel received training, logistical and technical support from Turkey. The Moroccan UAV personnel completed their training in September in Turkey, ahead of the planned delivery of the Bayraktar TB2 drones.
Reports from late last year indicate that Morocco is also in discussions to acquire Baykar’s more advanced Bayraktar Akıncı drones. If finalized, this acquisition would further strengthen the country’s unmanned capabilities and deepen the defence collaboration between Turkey and Morocco.
Baykar’s decision to establish a manufacturing facility in Morocco signifies a strategic move to solidify its position in the African defense market. The facility will not only serve Morocco but potentially supply drones to other countries in the region. This expansion aligns with Baykar’s goal to be a leading global provider of unmanned systems.
For Morocco, hosting the production facility enhances its technological infrastructure and supports its ambition to modernize its military assets. The collaboration with Turkey reflects a broader trend of strengthening defence ties and leveraging advanced technology to address security challenges.
Meanwhile, Baykar is building a drone manufacturing facility near Kyiv, Ukraine. The facility is expected to produce up to 120 drones per year, and could create around 500 jobs.
