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Rabat – In the latest step to accelerate the rapprochement between Rabat and the Israeli defense industry, Morocco plans to develop a domestic industry to produce “loitering munitions.” Loitering munitions, sometimes described as “kamikaze drones,” are drones that do not fire missiles, but instead self-destruct upon hitting their target.
This Wednesday, French publication Africa Intelligence revealed that the two countries are currently working on the development of a project to manufacture the single-use drones in Morocco.
The French publication explains that the launch of this industry in Morocco comes after several months of negotiations with the group Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI).
Specifically, BlueBird Aero Systems is the group’s subsidiary specialized in the manufacture of these drones.
Back in July, Israel’s National Cyber Directorate announced that its CEO, Yigal Unna, signed a cooperation agreement with Moroccan authorities, which would help Israeli companies sell knowledge and technology.
This was the first cyber defense agreement between the two countries since the resumption of diplomatic relations between Morocco and Israel.
The breakthrough deal will allow the Israelis to produce drones in Morocco in large quantities and at a much lower price, which will further strengthen their position in the export markets.
The new deal, part of a larger military cooperation plan, is facilitated by the newly adopted decree on defense and security equipment, weapons and ammunition.
The text frames the procedures for the manufacture, trade, import, export, transport and transit of military equipment.
Moroccan authorities have yet to make an official announcement on this subject.
However, several media outlets, notably Israeli, had already reported that Morocco had placed orders for the acquisition of Israeli drones.
Morocco and Israel have wasted no time since the normalization. The two countries have strengthened their bilateral relations throughout 2021 with the exchange of expertise in the fields of tourism, industry, politics and military defense.
