Morocco emerges as the primary drone manufacturer in North Africa and the Middle East after Israel.
Reports from El Español and I24News reveal that Morocco has joined the league of drone producers through a recent collaboration with Israel. BlueBird, a subsidiary of Israel Aerospace Industries, successfully tested its new SpyX suicide drone in Morocco, showcasing its capabilities by attacking a retired Ratel IFV armoured vehicle owned by the Royal Moroccan Armed Forces.
The SpyX drone, designed for reconnaissance and attack operations, boasts a range of 50 kilometres and a flying time of ninety minutes. With advanced features like target detection systems and dual day/thermal sensors, the drone can reach speeds of up to 250 kilometres per hour and be operated by a two-person crew.
Morocco’s procurement of 150 WanderB and ThunderB drones from BlueBird, along with two Ofek-13 reconnaissance satellites from Israel, underscores the deepening military ties between the two countries. Israeli arms exports to Morocco have surged, accounting for 11% of the country’s total arms imports.
This partnership has flourished since the signing of the Abraham Accords in December 2020, leading to expanded cooperation in the defence and security sectors. Despite condemning Israel’s actions in Gaza, Morocco has refrained from severing diplomatic relations with Israel, citing national unity and economic progress.
King Mohammed VI authorized the dispatch of humanitarian aid to Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza Strip, emphasizing Morocco’s commitment to supporting Palestinians while engaging with Israel for strategic interests. The reopening of liaison offices signals a diplomatic thaw, with Israel recognizing Morocco’s sovereignty over Western Sahara as part of recent agreements.
