Edge Group to Supply and Integrate Munitions for Moroccan UAVs

In a significant development for military technology in Morocco, the Edge Group has announced that it will supply and integrate advanced air-launched munitions onto the country’s unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). This announcement was made on October 9, during the Marrakech Air Show, where Edge confirmed the signing of a contract with Morocco's Administration of National Defence, which is responsible for military procurement. The agreement includes the provision of the Desert Sting 16 guided bomb and the Thunder bomb guidance kit for the Royal Moroccan Air Force (RMAF), aiming to enhance the operational capabilities of its fleet of unmanned combat aerial vehicles (UCAVs).

The munitions supplied will include the P-31 version of the Thunder, designed for the 250 lb Mk 81 bombs. These munitions will enable a striking range of up to 10 kilometers when deployed from a UCAV and are equipped with semi-active laser (SAL) guidance seekers. The Desert Sting 16s are also expected to feature an optional SAL seeker, enhancing their precision and effectiveness in combat scenarios. While the RMAF maintains a degree of secrecy regarding its UCAV operations, it is known to utilize several drone models, including the Turkish-made Bayraktar TB2 and the larger Bayraktar Akıncı, as well as the Chinese-made Wing Loong II. Additionally, Morocco has acquired Israeli-made Heron drones, although it remains unverified whether these are armed.

Notably, the Desert Sting guided bombs have already been successfully integrated with the TB2 in service with the UAE's air force. However, this recent contract marks the first known instance where the Thunder series will be integrated with unmanned aircraft, representing a substantial advancement in the RMAF's aerial combat capabilities. Earlier this year, in May, Edge had also announced a collaboration for the integration of its more advanced Al Tariq bomb-guidance kit on the Akıncı UAV, indicating the company’s commitment to enhancing the aerial arsenal of its partners.

As reported by janes.com.