Doha – In an era where unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) have become an integral part of modern military strategies, Morocco has solidified its position as a drone powerhouse in Africa.
According to a comprehensive report by Military Africa, a website specializing in African military affairs, the kingdom has amassed an impressive fleet of 233 drones between 1980 and 2024, placing it second only to Egypt in terms of drone ownership across the continent.
The Military Africa report, which meticulously analyzed drone acquisition trends in 31 African countries, highlights the significant shift in regional power dynamics.
Morocco’s strategic approach to drone acquisition is evident in its preference for fixed-wing aircraft, which offer unparalleled endurance and range compared to other UAV types. This choice is particularly advantageous for patrolling the country’s expansive territories. Morocco’s fleet is spearheaded by an array of 160 Israeli-made drones, complemented by 26 American and 19 Turkish UAVs.
Israel’s role in Morocco’s drone program is set to expand further, with the reported establishment of a BlueBird Aero Systems production facility in the North African country. According to Zona Militar, an Argentinian news outlet, the CEO of BlueBird has confirmed that the local manufacturing site is already in place and is poised to commence operations in the near future.
The report also sheds light on the drone ownership landscape in the Maghreb region, where Morocco’s dominance is even more pronounced. Algeria, with 121 drones, and Tunisia, with around 59 drones, lag considerably behind Morocco’s acquisition rate. Even regional powerhouse South Africa trails behind, with less than 100 drones in its possession.
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Interestingly, the report delves into the drone ownership of conflicting forces in Libya, with the National Unity Government holding approximately 47 drones and the eastern government maintaining a fleet of around 40. Mauritania, on the other hand, holds the least number of drones in the Maghreb region, with a mere four units.
On a continental scale, the Military Africa report reveals that the 31 African countries studied have collectively acquired a total of 1,534 drones since the 1980s. Fixed-wing aircraft make up the majority with 1,254 units, followed by rotary-wing drones with 144 units and vertical take-off and landing fixed-wing drones with 136 units.
The regional distribution of drone ownership across Africa is also noteworthy. North African countries, including Morocco, collectively hold over half (818 drones) of the continent’s total, followed by West Africa with 338 drones, East Africa with 218 drones, and Southern Africa with around 160 drones.
While China emerges as the leading supplier of drones to African countries, Israel plays a crucial role in Morocco’s drone acquisitions. The United States ranks third as a supplier, followed by Turkey, which counts Nigeria among its key customers.
