On October 9, 2026, Morocco made a significant stride in bolstering its military capabilities by signing a contract with the Emirati defense group EDGE during the Marrakech Air Show. This agreement aims to equip Moroccan combat drones with advanced guided munitions, reflecting Morocco's commitment to enhancing its aerial defense strategies. The partnership with EDGE also highlights the collaboration between Emirati and Turkish defense sectors, particularly with Baykar, the manufacturer of the Turkish drones that are now part of the Royal Moroccan Air Force's operations.
The contract specifies the integration of two types of guided weapons into Morocco's combat drones. The first, known as the Desert Sting 16, is a gliding bomb weighing 23 kilograms, capable of reaching a distance of 15 kilometers. The second, the Thunder P-31, is a modification of a conventional Mk 81 bomb, transforming it into a guided munition with a striking range of up to 10 kilometers when deployed from a drone. This development not only enhances the operational capabilities of existing drones in Morocco's arsenal but also signifies a strategic move towards modernizing the country's defense infrastructure.
Morocco's drone fleet includes the sophisticated Bayraktar TB2 and Akıncı models from Turkish manufacturer Baykar, as well as Chinese Wing Loong II drones. This diverse array of platforms necessitates a supplier capable of adapting advanced munitions to various systems, making EDGE an ideal partner. The collaboration between EDGE and Baykar has been ongoing since 2024, focusing on the integration of the Desert Sting 16 into the TB2 platform. Furthermore, in May 2026, the two companies signed a new agreement to adapt Al Tariq munitions for the Akıncı drone, further solidifying their partnership in the realm of advanced military technology.
During the Marrakech Air Show, Morocco also took significant steps towards local production of military equipment by signing a memorandum of understanding with EDGE. This agreement explores the potential for manufacturing light weapons and aviation engines in collaboration with Moroccan companies. As reported by the Emirati news agency WAM, this initiative involves two subsidiaries of EDGE: CARACAL, which specializes in light arms, and POWERTECH, a company focused on developing engines for aerial platforms, including autonomous systems. This local partnership not only aims to enhance Morocco's self-sufficiency in defense production but also strengthens ties between Morocco and the UAE, fostering regional cooperation in defense and security.
As reported by bladi.net.
