فاس نيوز ميديا جريدة الكترونية جهوية تعنى بشؤون و أخبار جهة فاس مكناس – متجددة على مدار الساعة
In an unprecedented move at the African level, the Royal Armed Forces of Morocco announced the integration of the advanced SPY-X suicide drone into their military arsenal, with ambitious plans for local production by Moroccan hands. This development, part of the strategic cooperation with Israeli company BlueBird Aero Systems, makes Morocco the first country in Africa and the region to have the capability to manufacture advanced suicide drones, enhancing its status as a leading regional defense power.
Custom Design for Moroccan Forces
The SPY-X drone has been specially designed to meet the needs of the Royal Armed Forces. It is an unmanned aerial system combining precise reconnaissance with the ability to execute tactical strikes. The drone features an operational range of up to 50 kilometers, a maximum speed of 250 km/h, and a 2.5 kg warhead capable of accurately targeting personnel or armored vehicles. The drone demonstrated its effectiveness during successful field tests conducted in the Moroccan desert in 2023 and 2024, where it destroyed armored targets such as the M60 tank and the Ratel armored vehicle, even in the presence of anti-drone defense networks.
Local Production by Moroccan Workforce
Under the military cooperation agreement signed between Morocco and Israel in 2021, BlueBird announced the establishment of a factory in Morocco for the production of the SPY-X drone, with operations expected to begin before the end of 2025. This project involves full technology transfer and will employ trained Moroccan workers, enhancing technological independence and creating new jobs. It is the first investment of its kind in Africa for manufacturing suicide drones, giving Morocco a unique strategic advantage compared to countries in the region.
Technology Transfer and Defense Industry Enhancement
The transfer of drone manufacturing technology to Morocco represents a major step toward building an advanced local defense industry. According to media reports, Morocco allocated a defense budget of $12.88 billion in 2024, a large part of which is dedicated to developing technological capabilities in cooperation with Israel. Previous deals include purchasing 150 WanderB and ThunderB drones, as well as the $500 million Barak MX air defense system. This cooperation reflects Morocco’s commitment to reducing reliance on arms imports and building sustainable local manufacturing capabilities.
Regional Context and Challenges
Despite the strategic benefits of this project, it has sparked regional and domestic controversy. The Abraham Accords of 2020 strengthened relations between Morocco and Israel but provoked internal protests from groups opposing normalization. Additionally, tensions with Algeria, which relies on Russian and Turkish drones, may escalate as a result of this development, raising concerns about a regional arms race. Nevertheless, Moroccan officials emphasize that this step aims to enhance national security and protect borders, especially amid security challenges in Western Sahara.
Future Prospects
Analysts expect this project to open new horizons for Morocco, including the potential to export drones to other African countries, reinforcing its role as a regional hub for defense industry. Morocco also plans to expand cooperation with Israel to include advanced reconnaissance systems such as the Ofek-13 satellites. With ongoing investments in military infrastructure, Morocco appears poised to become a leading military technology power in the region.
